Series and Parallel Circuits GCSE Exam-Style Questions
Question 1
Q1 (1 mark)
Define what is meant by the term "electrical current".
Question 2
Q2 (2 marks)
Explain how a simple parallel circuit differs from a simple series circuit.
Question 3
Q3 (2 marks)
A circuit has two resistors connected in series, with a total resistance of 10Ω. If one resistor has a resistance of 5Ω, what is the resistance of the other resistor?
Question 4
Q4 (3 marks)
Describe how to calculate the total current in a parallel circuit.
Question 5
Q5 (3 marks)
A battery supplies 12V to a circuit containing three resistors connected in parallel. If the current through one resistor is 0.5A, what is the total current in the circuit?
Question 6
Q6 (4 marks)
In a series circuit, a 2Ω resistor has a potential difference (voltage) of 6V across it. Calculate the power dissipated by this resistor.
Question 7
Q7 (3 marks)
Explain why the resistance of a parallel circuit is less than the resistance of any of the individual resistors in the circuit.
Question 8
Q8 (3 marks)
A circuit has three bulbs connected in parallel. If one bulb blows, what will happen to the brightness of the other two bulbs?
Question 9
Q9 (2 marks)
A circuit breaker is used to protect a circuit from excessive current. Explain how a circuit breaker works.
Question 10
Q10 (4 marks)
In a parallel circuit, two resistors have resistances of 4Ω and 6Ω, respectively. Calculate the equivalent resistance of the circuit.