Teacher Copy
Series Circuit
Parallel Circuit
The circuit only has one path. All of
There are several paths for electricity to
the loads are connected side by side on flow through. Each load usually has it's own
one path.
branch.
If there is a break in the path of
electricity the entire circuit will not
work.
A break in one branch will not affect the
other branches or appliances.
The resistance increases as each load is The resistance decreases as the loads
added. (R1+R1+R1= R3)
increase.
The voltage (potential energy that each The voltage (potential energy that each
electron has when it leaves the cell)
electron has when it leaves the cell) stays
stays the same.
the same.
The more paths a circuit has the more
The current will be the same in all parts
current it demands from the power source.
of the circuit. It decreases as more
So if one light bulb is hooked up to each of
loads are added.
2 paths, they will both shine brightly.
Name: _______________________ Date: ___________
Find the correct clue from the list on the next page. Cut out the clue and paste it under the correct
circuit heading.
Series Circuit
Parallel Circuit
The more paths a circuit has the more
current it demands from the power
source. So if one light bulb is hooked
up to each of 2 paths, they will both
shine brightly.
The voltage (potential energy that each
electron has when it leaves the cell) stays
the same.
The voltage (potential energy that each The voltage (potential energy that each
electron has when it leaves the cell)
electron has when it leaves the cell) stays
stays the same.
the same.
The circuit only has one path. All of
If there is a break in the path of electricity
the loads are connected side by side on
the entire circuit will not work.
one path.
A break in one branch will not affect
the other branches or appliances.
There are several paths for electricity to
flow through. Each load usually has it's own
branch.
The current will be the same in all parts of
The resistance increases as each load is
the circuit. It decreases as more loads are
added. (R1+R1+R1= R3)
added.