AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Series and parallel circuits: use circuit diagrams to construct and check series and parallel circuits that include a variety of common circuit components
Circuit diagrams are standardised drawings in which each component has its own symbol, so a diagram can be read and rebuilt by anyone.
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Circuit diagrams are standardised drawings in which each component has its own symbol, so a diagram can be read and rebuilt by anyone. To construct a circuit, trace the diagram from the cell: connect the positive terminal to the first component, continue through each component in turn, and return to the negative terminal, keeping cells, lamps, switches, resistors, ammeters and voltmeters in their correct positions. Ammeters go in series with the component being measured; voltmeters go in parallel across it. To check a circuit, compare the built circuit with the diagram component by component, confirm each symbol matches the real component, and test that switches control the intended part. A lamp that stays lit when its switch is open shows a wiring error, such as a short circuit or a misplaced connection.
What earns the marks
- Recognises and draws the standard symbols for cells, batteries, lamps, switches, fixed resistors, variable resistors, ammeters and voltmeters.
- Traces a circuit diagram systematically from one cell terminal to the other, listing components in the order they are connected.
- Places an ammeter in series with the component or branch being measured and a voltmeter in parallel across it.
- Builds a series circuit in which the same current passes through every component in a single loop.
- Builds a parallel circuit in which current splits between branches that rejoin at the cell terminals.
- Checks a completed circuit against its diagram, identifying missing, reversed or wrongly placed components.
- Uses a switch to confirm that it controls only the intended section of the circuit.
- Corrects a faulty circuit by comparing its behaviour with the expected behaviour shown by the diagram.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Connecting a voltmeter in series with a component, which breaks the circuit.
Put it right: Connect the voltmeter in parallel across the component.
Connecting an ammeter in parallel with a component, which diverts current.
Put it right: Place the ammeter in series in the branch being measured.
Assuming any lit lamp proves the circuit matches the diagram.
Put it right: Check each connection and switch position against the diagram, because a short circuit can leave a lamp lit.
Exam tips
- Practise drawing each common symbol until you can produce it accurately without a key.
- When asked to check a circuit, work methodically from the cell around the loop rather than jumping between components.
- State clearly whether a meter is in series or parallel, and name the component it measures.
Try the lesson
The start of the Series and parallel circuits: use circuit diagrams to construct and check series and parallel circuits that include a variety of common circuit components lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A student is checking a circuit they have built against a circuit diagram. The diagram shows a battery connected to a motor and a buzzer in parallel. In the student's physical circuit, disconnecting the motor also causes the buzzer to stop working. What does this indicate about how the circuit was constructed compared to the diagram?
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Series and parallel connections
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Measurement with ammeters and voltmeters
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Systematic checking and fault finding
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See every definition
- Series and parallel connections
- In a series circuit the same current passes through every component in a single loop, while in a parallel circuit current splits between branches that rejoin at the cell terminals.
- Measurement with ammeters and voltmeters
- Ammeters go in series with the component being measured, and voltmeters go in parallel across it.
- Systematic checking and fault finding
- Comparing the built circuit with the diagram component by component, confirming each symbol matches the real component, and testing that switches control the intended part.
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