Series and parallel circuits

In the picture

1. 1Battery in the series circuit: pushes charge through the one shared loop
2. 2Empty bulb holder in the series circuit: opens the only path
3. 3Dark bulb in the series circuit: receives no current because the path is broken
4. 4Left branch wire in the parallel circuit: gives one bulb its own path to the battery
5. 5Glowing bulb on its own branch: stays lit while the other branch is open

Examples

• A cheap string of fairy lights goes dark when one bulb is removed.
• Many household ceiling lights stay on when a bulb in another room is removed.

Quiz: Series and parallel circuits (Age 12)

1. 1

   In a series circuit, what path do the bulbs use?

   • A path that passes through only one bulb at a time.
   • A separate branch for each bulb.
   • One shared path through all the bulbs.
2. 2

   In a parallel circuit, what does each bulb have?

   • One shared path with the other bulbs.
   • Its own branch to the battery.
   • A branch that only works if another bulb is removed.
3. 3

   What happens in a series circuit when one bulb is removed?

   • The other bulbs stay lit on their own branches.
   • The current stops, so the other bulbs go dark.
   • Only the removed bulb goes dark; the others stay lit.

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This quiz is free there while the lesson is in the free week.