GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Current & Potential Difference in Parallel

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Electricity Series and parallel circuits

Current & Potential Difference in Parallel

5:28 Parallel Circuits
Spec 4.2.2
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  • Potential difference across all components in parallel is the same.
  • Examples of circuits with parallel components: components on branches alongside each other.
  • In parallel circuits, potential differences of components are equal (V1 = V2).
  • Important rule: potential differences in parallel components are the same.
  • Voltmeters are connected in parallel to measure potential difference.
  • In a circuit with parallel lamps, potential differences are equal, but not for a third lamp not in parallel.
  • Third lamp has different potential difference if not in parallel with others (V3 ��� V1 or V2).
  • Current in parallel circuits splits at junctions; total current is the sum of currents on parallel branches.
  • Current is the same everywhere on a branch of a circuit.
  • Example problem: lamp and resistor in parallel, potential difference across both is the same.
  • Total current in the circuit is the sum of individual currents through parallel components.
  • In the example, potential difference across the resistor is 8 volts, total current is 7 amps (2 amps + 5 amps).

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