Series and Parallel Circuits: Concept Map
≈ 24 minConcept Map
Organise the vocabulary, quantities and relationships into a connected model.
This extension applies that lens specifically to Series and Parallel Circuits.
There are two ways to connect several components to one cell.
Series — the components are joined one after another in a single loop. There is exactly one path for the current.
Parallel — the circuit splits into branches and joins again. There is more than one path for the current, and each component sits on its own branch.
| Series | Parallel | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of paths | One | One per branch |
| Remove or blow one globe | Every globe goes out | Only that branch goes out |
| Add more globes | All the globes get dimmer | Each branch stays about as bright |
| Switching | One switch controls everything | Each branch can have its own switch |
The reason series globes dim as you add more is that the one cell must now share its energy among more components. In parallel, each branch is connected straight across the cell, so each one gets the full push.
Worked example. Three identical globes are connected to one cell, first in series and then in parallel. In each case, globe 2 is unscrewed. What happens?
- Series: unscrewing globe 2 breaks the single loop. There is now no complete path, so globes 1 and 3 go out as well. All three are dark.
- Parallel: globe 2's branch is broken, but the branches carrying globes 1 and 3 are still complete loops back to the cell. Globe 2 goes out; globes 1 and 3 stay on, just as bright as before.
This single test — remove one component and see what survives — is the fastest way to tell the two arrangements apart.
Natural Sciences — Grade 8 — Concept Map: Three globes are connected in series with one cell. One of the globes blows. What happens to the other two?
Natural Sciences — Grade 8 — Concept Map: Which type of circuit — series or parallel — is used to wire the lights in a house, so that one blown globe does not switch off all the others?
Natural Sciences — Grade 8 — Concept Map: A circuit has one cell and one globe. Two more identical globes are then added in series with the first. What happens to the brightness of the globes?
Name the original topic being extended by this concept map lesson.
Which statement is the best evidence-led starting point for Series and Parallel Circuits: Concept Map?