In a circuit, what does voltage do in series vs parallel?

Get ready for the NCEA Level 1 Energy Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with clear explanations and hints. Prepare for success!

Multiple Choice

In a circuit, what does voltage do in series vs parallel?

Voltage behaves differently depending on whether components are in series or in parallel: in series, the voltage you supply is divided among the components (splits); in parallel, the same voltage is across every branch (stays the same). In a series circuit, the same current flows through each component, and each component drops some voltage proportional to its resistance. The drops add up to the total supply voltage, so the voltage is shared or split across the components. In a parallel circuit, the components are connected between the same two points, so each branch experiences the same potential difference as the source. The voltage across each branch is identical, even though the currents through the branches can differ. This matches the idea that voltage splits in series and stays the same across parallel branches.

Voltage behaves differently depending on whether components are in series or in parallel: in series, the voltage you supply is divided among the components (splits); in parallel, the same voltage is across every branch (stays the same).

In a series circuit, the same current flows through each component, and each component drops some voltage proportional to its resistance. The drops add up to the total supply voltage, so the voltage is shared or split across the components.

In a parallel circuit, the components are connected between the same two points, so each branch experiences the same potential difference as the source. The voltage across each branch is identical, even though the currents through the branches can differ.

This matches the idea that voltage splits in series and stays the same across parallel branches.

More practice questions