Lesson 4 of 9

Parallel circuits

Goal: Describe current in a parallel circuit.

Puzzles for this lesson

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A parallel circuit gives the current more than one route. Each route is called a branch.

  • The current splits at a junction and joins up again where the branches meet.
  • Add the branch currents to get the total.
  • Each branch works on its own. Switch one lamp off and the other stays on.
A living room with the ceiling light on and a table lamp off
Your home is wired in parallel. That is why you can switch one light off and leave the others on.

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Key words in this lesson

Current A flow of electric charge

Parallel circuit A circuit with more than one branch

For teachers: AQA 3.2.2 · Pearson Edexcel 31.2, 31.3 · Cambridge 9Pe.01