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GCSE Physics · key term
One of the separate conducting paths in a parallel circuit.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Specification 10.3, 10.11 · Paper 2
A separate path between two junctions in a parallel circuit.
Revise: Series vs ParallelIn a parallel circuit, the circuit divides at a junction into two or more branches. The branches later meet at another junction, so charge can travel along different paths.
One of the separate paths available to current in a parallel circuit.
Paper 1, Paper 2
Revise: Potential Difference and Circuit RulesIn a parallel circuit, the wire divides into branches and later rejoins. A particular unit of charge follows only one branch.
Identify the layout before describing its effects: a series circuit has one loop, whereas a parallel circuit has branches.
Do not say that current is “used up”. Charge is conserved: in a parallel circuit, the currents in the branches add to the current in the main part of the circuit.
If one component fails, explain the result using paths: it breaks the only path in a series circuit, but other complete branches can still conduct in a parallel circuit.
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