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GCSE Physics · key term
A connection in which components lie one after another on a single path for current.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.2.1.3 · Paper 1
A circuit arrangement in which components lie on the same single route around the circuit.
Revise: Current, resistance and potential differenceThe ammeter must be in series with the test component so that the current being measured passes through both. The voltmeter must be in parallel across the test component because it compares the potential at the component's two ends. A switch allows the circuit to be disconnected between readings.
Specification 10.7, 10.14 · Paper 2
Do not confuse the meter connections: an ammeter is in series; a voltmeter is in parallel across the component or combination being tested.
State both the instrument and its connection: use an ammeter connected in series with the component.
State what is being compared: adding a second resistor in series raises resistance; adding one in parallel lowers it.
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A connection in which components are placed one after another in the same branch of a circuit.
To measure the current in a component, the ammeter is connected in series with that component. This puts the meter and the component one after another in the same branch, so all the charge flowing through the component must also flow through the ammeter. The meter therefore measures the current in the component, not merely somewhere unrelated in the circuit.
A connection in which components lie on one path, so charge passes through each in turn.
Specification P3.2i · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
Revise: Resistance in series and parallelIn a series circuit, current has only one path, so it must pass through both resistors. The second resistor adds another obstacle on that path. The net resistance is therefore greater than the resistance of either resistor alone.