Parallel circuits
You should be able to recognise different types of circuits.
In a parallel circuit there is more than one path for the current to follow. At some points in a parallel circuit there will be Where two or more wires join together to form a new branch. of A material which allows charge to move easily through it.. Junctions are sometimes shown by dots on circuit diagrams.
Current in parallel circuits
The current in a parallel circuit splits into different branches then combines again before it goes back into the supply. When the current splits, the current in each branch after the split adds up to the same as the current just before the split, ie the current (\({I_s}\)) drawn from the The energy transferred each second, measured in watts (W). Power = work done ÷ time taken. supply is equal to the sum of all the currents flowing in the branches of the circuit.
For a circuit with three branches, we could write this as;
\({I_s} = {I_1} + {I_2} + {I_3} + ...\)
Decide on the ammeter readings for the following parallel circuit when the switch is closed.
Question
Look at the parallel circuit below, where the lamps have equal resistance - what is the reading at:
Position 1: 0.2A, 0.1A or 0.0A
Position 2: 0.2A, 0.1A or 0.0A
Position 3: 0.2A, 0.1A or 0.0A
Position 4: 0.2A, 0.1A or 0.0A
Position 1 = 0.2A
Position 2 = 0.1A
Position 3 = 0.2A
Position 4 = 0.1A
Look carefully where the current splits. Before the split you get full current. After the split the current is less. When they have joined again, you get the full current.