CURRENT IN SERIES AND PARALLEL CIRCUITS

Lab # _____ Date: ______________

Aim: To determine what happens to the current throughout a series and parallel circuit.

Apparatus: Power supply (battery / switch)

Connecting wires
4 Ammeters
2 light bulbs

Method: Both circuits were set up as shown below.

Series Circuit

© Ron Mahabalsingh 2017

Parallel Circuit

Results:

Series Circuit Current (A) Parallel Circuit Current (A)

Ammeter I
Ammeter II
Ammeter III
Ammeter IV N/A

Discussion:

1. What is the difference between a series circuit and a parallel circuit?

2. Describe how current changes in a series circuit.
3. State the total current in the series circuit.
4. Does the sum of the current at Ammeter II and Ammeter III equal the current at Ammeter I or
Ammeter IV? What does this mean?
5. State the total current in the parallel circuit.

Conclusion: Throughout a series circuit the current… while in a parallel circuit the current…

© Ron Mahabalsingh 2017

Mark Scheme: Current in Series and Parallel Circuits
Criteria tested: Observation / Recording / Reporting

MARKS
(i) Reading and recording of current flowing in a Series circuit at points I, II and III 3
(ii) Reading and recording of current flowing in a Parallel circuit at points I, II, III and IV 4
(iii) States the total current in the parallel circuit 1
(iv) States the total current in the series circuit 1
(v) Clearly stating that the sum of current in a Parallel circuit is equal to the current at 1
the junction or in Series
TOTAL 10

Criteria tested: Analysis and Interpretation

MARKS
(i) Describing the changes of current in a series circuit (Points A1, A2 and A3) 3
(ii) Describing the changes of current in a parallel circuit (Points A1, A2, A3 and A4) 4
(iii) Draws logical conclusion about the sum of current at A2 and A3 1
(iv) Determines the change in current in a series circuit 1
(v) Determines the change in current in a parallel circuit 1
TOTAL 10

© Ron Mahabalsingh 2017