GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Current & Potential Difference in Series

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Electricity Series and parallel circuits

Current & Potential Difference in Series

3:05 Series Circuits
Spec 4.2.2
Previous Components in Series Next Resistance in Series
  • Current through all components in series is the same.
  • Series circuit: all components in one closed loop.
  • Current labeled as I1 and I2 in series circuits.
  • Currents for each component in series are the same due to the same number of charge carriers.
  • I1 equals I2 in series circuits.
  • Two lamps in series can be labeled I1 and I2 with the same current.
  • Middle lamp has a different current as it is in a different branch.
  • I3 is not equal to I1 or I2.
  • Ammeters should be connected in series to match the current.
  • Potential difference across components in series adds up to the power supply's potential difference.
  • Potential differences represent energy shared between components.
  • V supply (V total) equals V1 plus V2.
  • Example: Circuit with a lamp, resistor, and 12-volt cell.
  • Current through lamp: 6 amps; potential difference: 8 volts.
  • Calculate current through resistor and potential difference across it.
  • Step 1: Current through resistor equals current through lamp (6 amps).
  • Step 2: Rearrange equation for potential differences to find resistor's potential difference.
  • V supply equals V1 plus V2; voltage of resistor equals supply voltage minus lamp voltage.
  • Step 3: Substitute values to find potential difference of resistor (4 volts).

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