PHYSICS GCSE 10 | TU PHAM

Topic Question: Series & Parallel Circuits

1. Explain what is meant by the term A.C
(a) The term A.C. means:
 Alternating current; [1 mark]
 A current that continuously changes direction; [1 mark]
2. Which graph shows a direct current?

3. What is the potential difference of the UK mains supply?

4. A student has 4 resistors. Each resistor has a resistance of 100 Ω.

a. Explain how the resistors should be connected so that the total resistance is as
low as possible.
Resistors in parallel
b. The four resistors are connected in series with a 3 V cell, as shown in figure
below.
 PHYSICS GCSE 10 | TU PHAM

Calculate the current that flows through the cell.

c. Add an ammeter to above figure which would allow the current through the cell
to be measured.

5. A student set up a circuit in figure below.

a. The ammeter displays a reading of 0.075 A. Calculate the potential difference

across the 80 Ω resistor.

b. Calculate the resistance of resistor R in above figure.

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c. Switch X is closed. State what will happen to the total resistance of the circuit
and the current through the circuit.

d. Calculate the new current through the circuit.

6. Figure below shows how two resistors can be connected in series or in

parallel to a 12 V cell.
The resistors are identical.

a. Calculate the potential difference across each resistor when the lamps are
connected in series and in parallel.

b. Give one disadvantage of connecting the lamps in series rather than in parallel.
 PHYSICS GCSE 10 | TU PHAM

c. Figure below shows how an ammeter can be used to measure the current
flowing through the battery for the same circuit.

The reading on an ammeter is 1.6 A.

Add an ammeter to the figure above to show how to measure the current through
the resistor R2.
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