Series and parallel circuits

MS 1c, 3b, 3c, 3d

• use circuit diagrams to construct and check series and parallel circuits that include a variety of common circuit components
• describe the difference between series and parallel circuits
• explain qualitatively why adding resistors in series increases the total resistance whilst adding resistors in parallel decreases the total resistance

AT 7

• explain the design and use of dc series circuits for measurement and testing purposes

WS 1.4

• calculate the currents, potential differences and resistances in dc series circuits
• solve problems for circuits which include resistors in series using the concept of equivalent resistance.

Students are not required to calculate the total resistance of two resistors joined in parallel.

MS 1c, 3b, c, d