AQA · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016
There are two ways of joining electrical components, in series and in…
Full specification wording
Series and parallel circuits: There are two ways of joining electrical components, in series and in parallel. Some circuits include both series and parallel parts.
Two components are in series when they sit in the same single loop, joined end to end, so every unit of charge that leaves the cell must pass through both.
Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Two components are in series when they sit in the same single loop, joined end to end, so every unit of charge that leaves the cell must pass through both. They are in parallel when they sit on separate branches between the same two junctions, so charge divides and each branch is a complete path on its own. To read a circuit diagram, start at one terminal of the cell and trace the wire: if you reach a junction where the wire splits, whatever follows on the separate branches is in parallel. Many real circuits mix the two, for example a switch in series with the supply feeding two lamps in parallel. Measuring instruments follow the same rule for a reason: an ammeter goes in series because it must carry the current being measured, and a voltmeter goes in parallel because it compares the potential at two points.
What earns the marks
- A single unbroken loop containing the cell, the component and the ammeter in series.
- The voltmeter drawn in parallel across the component being tested.
- Identifying a junction as the point at which a parallel branch begins.
- Stating that each parallel branch is a separate complete path back to the supply.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Drawing the ammeter across the lamp and the voltmeter in the loop, swapping the two connections.
Calling two lamps parallel because they are drawn side by side rather than because the wire splits at a junction.
Treating a mixed circuit as entirely parallel when the supply and switch are still in series.
Leaving a gap in the loop so the circuit is incomplete, then claiming there is a current.
Exam tips
- Trace the circuit with a finger from one terminal of the cell and count how many separate routes reach the other terminal.
- Put a dot at every junction you draw; examiners look for a dot where three or more wires meet.
- When asked for the difference, name the number of paths available to the charge, not just that components are in a line.
Try the lesson
The start of the Series and parallel circuits: There are two ways of joining electrical components, in series and in parallel. Some circuits include both series and parallel parts. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A student connects a battery to three resistors. Two of the resistors are connected side-by-side in separate branches, and the third resistor is connected on the main path to the battery. Which statement describes this circuit?
Listen
Two components are in series when they sit in the same single loop, joined end to end, so every unit of charge that leaves the cell must pass through both. They are in parallel when they sit on separate branches between the same two junctions, so charge divides and each branch is a complete path on its own. To read a circuit diagram, start at one terminal of the cell and trace the wire: if you reach a junction where the wire splits, whatever follows on the separate branches is in parallel. Many real circuits mix the two, for example a switch in series with the supply feeding two lamps in parallel. Measuring instruments follow the same rule for a reason: an ammeter goes in series because it must carry the current being measured, and a voltmeter goes in parallel because it compares the potential at two points. A strong answer earns marks for these points. a single unbroken loop containing the cell, the component and the ammeter in series. the voltmeter drawn in parallel across the component being tested. identifying a junction as the point at which a parallel branch begins. stating that each parallel branch is a separate complete path back to the supply. Exam tip: Trace the circuit with a finger from one terminal of the cell and count how many separate routes reach the other terminal.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
series connection
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
parallel branches
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
junctions
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- series connection
- Two components are in series when they sit in the same single loop, joined end to end, so every unit of charge that leaves the cell must pass through both.
- parallel branches
- Components are in parallel when they sit on separate branches between the same two junctions, so charge divides and each branch is a complete path on its own.
- junctions
- A junction is the point at which the wire splits and a parallel branch begins.
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Series and parallel circuits: There are two ways of joining electrical components, in series and in parallel. Some circuits include both series and parallel parts.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge