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GCSE Physics · key term
A circuit in which charge has only one path through the components.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Paper 1
A circuit in which components are connected one after another in a single closed loop, so the same current passes through every component.
Revise: Series and parallel circuitsThere is only one route around a series circuit.
Specification 10.3, 10.15, 10.16, 10.17 · Paper 2
A circuit in which all the components are connected in a single loop, giving charge only one path around the circuit.
Identify the layout before describing its effects: a series circuit has one loop, whereas a parallel circuit has branches.
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.
If asked to compare circuits, state the rule and apply it: for example, ‘the current is the same throughout this series circuit, so both lamps carry the same current’.
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In a series circuit, every component lies in one continuous loop. Charge passing around the circuit must travel through every component in turn: there is only one path.
A circuit with one path for charge to follow through all its components.
An electric circuit with one main path for current through its components.
A circuit arrangement in which components lie on one path, so the same current passes through each.
Specification P3.2a, P3.2j, PAG P7 · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
A circuit in which components are connected one after another in a single closed loop, so there is only one path for charge to follow.
Revise: Series vs parallel circuitsIn a series circuit, components are connected one after another in a single loop. Charge has no choice of route: every charge that passes one component must also pass every other component. Opening a switch or breaking a connection anywhere stops the current throughout the circuit.
An electrical arrangement with one complete path from one terminal of a cell or battery to the other.
Paper 1, Paper 2
A circuit arrangement in which components lie one after another in a single closed loop.
Revise: Potential Difference and Circuit RulesA series circuit has a single closed loop. Every unit of charge passes through every component, so the current has the same value at all points in the loop. Charge is not used up by the first lamp; it continues around the circuit, transferring some of its energy as it passes through components.
An arrangement in which components lie one after another in a single loop, so charge passes through every component.
A circuit containing components in one continuous loop, so the same current passes through every component.
A circuit with one complete path for charge to flow through its components.