Student Learning Map Middle Concept Circuits LEQ 1

Student Learning Map Middle Concept: Circuits LEQ 1: How are series and parallel circuits characterized and diagrammed?

Vocabulary 1. Series Circuit 2. Parallel Circuit 3. Open Circuit 4. Closed Circuit

Electric Circuits

Electric Circuits An electric circuit is a collection of devices (mostly wire) that passes current (electric charge) through it. In order for electricity to flow through a circuit, the circuit must be closed or have no breaks in the path from one end of the power source to the other end. Electricity cannot flow in an open circuit (incomplete pathway).

Current and Electron Flow Current (electricity) flows from the positive end of the battery to the negative end. Electrons flow in the opposite direction— from the negative to the positive end of the battery.

Voltage and Potential Difference Voltage and potential difference are two terms that describe the potential energy or the difference in electrical energy between two locations (think the start and end of a circuit). Voltage is measured in volts using a tool called a voltmeter.

Series Circuits In a series circuit, all parts are one after another, aka “in series”. If one part stops working, then all parts stop working. The easiest way to determine if you have a series circuit is to trace the circuit diagram with one finger—if it makes ONLY ONE path, then it is in series!

Series Circuit Example

Parallel Circuits In parallel circuits, there are multiple paths in which current can flow. This makes it look like double loops. If one part stops working, then only the parts on the same loop stop working. The easiest way to determine if you have a series circuit is to trace it with one finger—if there is more than one path, then it’s parallel!

Parallel Circuit Example