Comparing Parallel and Series Circuits
Activity 1 – Batteries in Series and Parallel
1.) Set the batteries up as shown in figure 1 and record the voltage.
2.) Set up the batteries as shown in figure 2 and record the voltage.
3.) In which set up were the batteries in a series?
4.) In which set up were the batteries parallel?
5.) How does the voltage change when you have the batteries in series verse
parallel?
6.) Predict what the total voltage would be for the two figures below.
Activity 2 – Light bulbs in series or parallel circuits
7.) Diagram the circuit board and identify the side in which the light bulbs are in
series and which side the light bulbs are in parallel.
8.) Record the voltage of the two batteries.
9.) Turn the switch to turn on the light bulbs that are in series. Record the
voltage of each of light bulbs and record.
10.)
Unscrew one light bulb and record what happens. Remember to
screw it back in when you are done with this step.
11.)
Turn the switch to the parallel side of the board and record the
voltage of each light bulb.
12.)
Unscrew one light bulb and record what happens. Remember to
screw it back in when you are done with this step.
Analysis
13.)
Predict: Are most of the light bulbs in your home wired in series or
parallel. Explain your answer.
14.)
Predict: In the diagram below, how much voltage is each light bulb
receiving? Explain your answer.
15.)
Predict: In the diagram below, how much voltage is each light bulb
receiving? Explain your answer.
16.)
Diagram a circuit with two batteries in series and 4 light bulbs in
parallel.
17.)
Diagram a circuit with two batteries in series and 4 light bulbs in
parallel.