Physics
Period
Name____________________
Mr. Vargas Muñiz
Number
Date _____________________
Serial and Parallel Circuits
Objectives
 5.2.6.D.1 Use simple circuits involving batteries and motors to compare and
predict the current flow with different circuit arrangements.
Do now
 Draw a schematic diagram for each of the following circuits
Series circuits

As more resistors are added, the overall current within the circuit decreases.

This decrease in current is consistent with the conclusion that the overall
resistance increases.

In order for the devices in a series circuit to work, each device must work.
Example 1:
 Description with words: Three D-cells are placed in a battery pack to power a
circuit containing two light bulbs in series connection.

Draw a schematic diagram about the circuit described above.
Parallel circuits


As the number of resistors increases, the overall current also increases.
This increase in current is consistent with a decrease in overall resistance.

If an individual bulb in a parallel branch is unscrewed from its socket, then there
is still current in the overall circuit and current in the other branches.

Example 2:
Description with words: Three D-cells are placed in a battery pack to power a
circuit containing two light bulbs in parallel connection.

Draw a schematic diagram about the circuit described above.
Combination circuits

A third type of circuit involves the dual use of series and parallel connections in a
circuit.

Example 3:
Description with words: Two devices are connected in series and two devices are
connected in parallel.

Drawing of circuit:

Draw a schematic diagram of the circuit above:


In series? ___________________
In parallel? _________________
Classwork

Complete and discuss the following problems in the paper, working in groups of 3
students.
Problem 1:

Observe the electrical wiring below. Indicate whether the connections are series
or parallel connections.
Problem 2:

Description with words: A single cell, two light bulbs and switch are placed
together in a serial circuit.

Draw a schematic diagram of the circuit described above:
Problem 3:

Description with words: A three-pack of D-cells is placed in a circuit to power a
four light bulbs in parallel connection.

Draw a schematic diagram of the circuit described above:
Exit Ticket

Two electric circuits are diagrammed below. For each circuit, indicate which two
devices are connected in series and which two devices are connected in parallel.

What did you learn today?