GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Components in Parallel

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Electricity Series and parallel circuits

Components in Parallel

3:38 Parallel Circuits
Spec 4.2.2
Previous Light-Dependent Resistors Next Current & Potential Difference in Parallel
  • Electrical components are in parallel if they are on separate branches of a circuit that run alongside each other.
  • In parallel circuits, there is no path that goes through both components.
  • Example: Two lamps on different branches are in parallel because there are two possible paths around the circuit.
  • A circuit with branching paths where branches don't run alongside each other is not parallel.
  • In parallel circuits, the current is split between parallel branches.
  • Charge carriers (delocalized electrons) split at junctions to travel down different branches.
  • Parallel lamps have different charge carriers flowing through them, meaning the current is split.
  • If a component in a parallel circuit breaks, the current can still flow through other components.
  • Example: If one lamp in a parallel circuit breaks, the other lamp can still function.
  • Most real-life circuits, like house mains, are set up with parallel branches to ensure functionality if one component fails.

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