Parallel and series

Parallel and series

Pencil and paper
Overview
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
 

Use the circuit above to answer the following questions.
 
a)
Which bulbs are in parallel? _________________________
 
b)
Which bulbs are in series? _________________________
 
c)
If all the bulbs have the same resistance, which bulbs would have the same current flowing through them?
 

 
 
d) Draw a switch in the circuit above so that bulb A can be turned off when bulb C and bulb B are still going.
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Knowledge, Physical World
Keywords: 
physics concepts, electricity, circuits, parallel, series
Description of task: 
Students use a diagram of a circuit to answer questions about which bulbs are in parallel and which are in series. Students are also required to put a switch into the circuit diagram provided.
Curriculum Links: 
 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss circuit diagrams use a particular agreed code for the different elements.
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Answers/responses: 
 

Y10 (10/2001)
a) A and C very easy
b)

Any 1 of: 

  • A and B
  • B and C
 very easy
c) A and C moderate
d) A switch drawn anywhere in the dashed region.
 easy