RHSA SNC1D: Electricity
Name: ________________
SERIES AND PARALLEL CONNECTIONS
A circuit is the controlled path for electrons to
follow. There are two ways to connect the
parts of a circuit:
1. In series – this means the electrons flow in
single straight line path
2. In parallel – this means there are 2 or more
paths for the electrons to flow through
Problem 1 - Series Circuit
a) Draw a schematic circuit diagram showing 2
cells connected in series, followed by an
ammeter, a motor, and light and an open
switch all in one path.
b) Use an arrow and a dotted line to show the
direction the electrons will flow around the
circuit.
RHSA SNC1D: Electricity
Name: ________________
c) What do you predict will happen in the
circuit if you remove one of the cells?
The light will get dimmer and the motor will
turn slower.
Problem 2 – Series Circuit
Connecting batteries or cells in series provides
more energy to the loads.
a) Draw a schematic diagram showing 3 cells
connected in series, followed by a resistor
representing a toaster, an closed switch, an
ammeter and 2 lights in series. b) Use an arrow
and a dotted line to show the direction the
electrons will flow around the circuit.
c) In real life what will happen to this circuit if
the switch is opened?
RHSA SNC1D: Electricity
Name: ________________
All the loads will be turned off! So in real life
only cells are connected in series.
d) In real life what will happen to the toaster if
one of the light bulbs burns out?
The toaster will go off and so will the other light
bulb!
Problem 3 – Loads in Parallel
In real life wiring is usually done with the loads
in parallel so each load can be turned on and
off separately.
a)Draw a circuit with 3 cells in series, followed
by an ammeter, followed by 3 lights in parallel,
and then one open switch in series.
b) Use three different coloured pens and draw
a dotted line to represent the three pathways
that electrons can flow.
RHSA SNC1D: Electricity
Name: ________________
Problem 4 – Cells in Parallel
Sometimes in real life we want to put the cells
or batteries in parallel. This is only used when
the cells need to last a long time but supply a
small amount of energy, for example a TV
remote control.
a) Draw a schematic circuit diagram showing
three sources or cells in parallel followed by
two light bulb loads in series.
b) Use three different coloured pens and draw
a dotted line to represent the three pathways
that electrons can flow.
RHSA SNC1D: Electricity
Name: ________________
SERIES AND PARALLEL CONNECTIONS
A circuit is the controlled path for electrons to follow. There are two ways to connect the parts of a
circuit:
1. In series – ________________________________________________________________________
2. In parallel – ________________________________________________________________________
Problem 1 - Series Circuit
a) Draw a schematic circuit diagram showing 2 cells connected in series, followed by an ammeter, a
motor, and light and an open switch all in one path.
b) Use an arrow and a dotted line to show the direction the electrons will flow around the circuit.
c) What do you predict will happen in the circuit if you remove one of the cells?
________________________________________________________________________
Problem 2 – Series Circuit
Connecting batteries or cells in series provides more energy to the loads.
a) Draw a schematic diagram showing 3 cells connected in series, followed by a resistor representing a
toaster, an closed switch, an ammeter and 2 lights in series. b) Use an arrow and a dotted line to show
the direction the electrons will flow around the circuit.
c) In real life what will happen to this circuit if the switch is opened?
________________________________________________________________________
d) In real life what will happen to the toaster if one of the light bulbs burns out?
________________________________________________________________________
RHSA SNC1D: Electricity
Name: ________________
Problem 3 - _________________________
In real life wiring is usually done with ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________
a)Draw a circuit with 3 cells in series, followed by an ammeter, followed by 3 lights in parallel, and then
one open switch in series.
b) Use three different coloured pens and draw a dotted line to represent the three pathways that
electrons can flow.
Problem 4 – _________________________
Sometimes in real life we want to put the cells or batteries in parallel. This is only used when the
____________________________________________________________________________________
for example a TV remote control.
a) Draw a schematic circuit diagram showing three sources or cells in parallel followed by two light bulb
loads in series.
b) Use three different coloured pens and draw a dotted line to represent the three pathways that
electrons can flow.