Lesson 3 of 9

Series circuits

Goal: Describe current in a series circuit.

Puzzles for this lesson

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In a series circuit there is only one loop, so the current has only one route.

A0.3 AA0.3 A

Both ammeters read the same.

  • The current is the same everywhere in the loop. It is not used up by the lamps.
  • More lamps, less current. Each lamp makes it harder for the current to flow, so the lamps get dimmer.
  • More cells, more current. The lamps get brighter.
A string of small glowing lights
One break stops everything. Old fairy lights were wired in series. If one bulb broke, they all went out.

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Key words in this lesson

Current A flow of electric charge

Ammeter Measures current

Series circuit A circuit with only one loop

Cell Pushes charge around a circuit

For teachers: AQA 3.2.2 · Pearson Edexcel 31.1 · Cambridge 7Pe.03, 7Pe.04