Series vs. Parallel
March 13, 2012
HW: Read pages 25-30 in packet #2. -Define the following:
Cell, Battery, Voltage, Circuit
-Write 3 facts you learned from the reading
(include pg. #’s next to each fact)
A simple circuit is the most basic electric
circuit. There are two kinds of circuits:
series and parallel.
What are the three things a simple
series circuit needs to work?
Label each part of this series circuit correctly.
+
battery
light bulb
conductive wire
Series vs. Parallel
Below is a series circuit. Click the play button to
see how it works!
Below is a parallel circuit. Click the
play button below to see how it works.
Parallel Circuits
Find a different path for the electron to take!
March 13, 2012
Series vs. Parallel
March 13, 2012
Why isn't the lightbulb lit? Click on the right
answer to light the bulb.
ct!
Corre
A. The switch has to be closed.
+
B. The electron flow has to be
reversed.
−
C. The circuit needs another wire.
Another type of simple circuit is the parallel
circuit.
How is it different from the series circuit?
Complete the Venn Diagram
Series Circuit
One light goes out,
all lights go out
Parallel Circuit
More than one
path for electrons
Lights do not come
on in an open circuit
Only one path
for electrons
One light goes out,
the other stays on
Series vs. Parallel
March 13, 2012
Complete the Venn Diagram
Series Circuit
Parallel Circuit
h for electrons
n an open circuit
e light goes out,
Now you try! Create your own simple series
circuit by putting together the different parts
and drawing in the wires.
−
battery
on/off switch
conductive wire
+
electron flow
LED light
Now you try! Create your own simple parallel
circuit by putting together the different parts
and drawing in the wires.
−
battery
on/off switch
conductive wire
+
electron flow
LED light
Series vs. Parallel
March 13, 2012
The following pages provide
answers to activities.
Label each part of this circuit correctly.
light bulb
conductive wire
-
+
battery
Now you try! Create your own simple series
circuit by putting together the different parts
and drawing in the wires.
electron flow
+
LED light
battery
−
conductive wire
on/off switch
Series vs. Parallel
March 13, 2012
Now you try! Create your own simple parallel
circuit by putting together the different parts
and drawing in the wires.
electron flow
conductive wire
+
battery
LED light
−
on/off switch
Compare and contrast a series circuit and a
parallel circuit.
-
+
· a parallel circuit has more
than one path along which an
electrical current can flow
· if one bulb is taken out in a
parallel circuit, the other bulb
still glows
· electrons flow from negative
to positive in both circuits