What is a parallel circuit?
• A circuit with branches
What happens to potential difference in a parallel circuit?
• The potential difference is the same across each branch
What happens to current in a parallel circuit?
• It is shared between the branches
What happens to current at a junction?
• Total current in = total current out
What happens to total resistance when resistors are added in parallel?
• Total resistance decreases
How does the total resistance in parallel compare with the smallest resistor?
• It is less than the smallest individual resistance
Why does adding branches in parallel decrease total resistance?
• Charge has more than one path
• So it is easier for charge to flow
What happens if one lamp breaks in a parallel circuit?
• The other branches can still work
Why are domestic circuits connected in parallel?
• Each appliance gets the full supply potential difference
• Each appliance can be switched on and off independently
