Introduction
In the past lessons we covered electric circuit diagrams and also measuring current, voltage and resistance. Now we'll be using all that information to do calculations on electric circuits. There's are different ways to connect resistor:
1. Series
2. Parallel
3. Combination of series and parallel
This lesson will be on series and parallel connections.
Watch the video below to understand the differences between resistors in series and resistors in parallel:
Task
At the end of the quest, the learner should be able to:
1. Calculate the equivalent resistance of resistors in series and resistors in parallel.
2. Calculate the current flowing through resistors.
3. Calculate the voltage across resistors.
Answer both question 1 and question 2
Question 1
An electric circuit has the following: A 12V battery, a switch, an ammeter and three resistors in series (2, 4 and 6 Ω respectively).
1.1 Draw the electric circuit diagram
1.2 Calculate the equivalent resistance of the circuit.
1.3 Calculate the current flowing through the circuit.
1.4 Calculate the voltage across each resistor.
1.5 Explain the current flowing through each resistor.
Question 2
An electric circuit has the following: A 8V battery, a switch, an ammeter and three resistors in parallel (2, 4 and 6 Ω respectively).
2.1 Draw the electric circuit diagram.
2.2 Calculate the equivalent resistance of the circuit.
2.3 Calculate the current flowing through the circuit.
2.4 Calculate the current flowing each resistor.
2.5 Explain the voltage across the resistors.
Formulas to be used:
V=IR
I=V/R
R=V/I
Rs= R1 + R2 + R3 +.....
1/Rp = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ....
The following link will be of great assistance:
https://intl.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-10/electric-circuits
https://cnx.org/contents/FFC6Ygl0@3.2:AdLOK10K@2/Electric-Circuits
https://learn.mindset.africa/resources/physical-sciences/grade-10/electric-circuits
Process
Follow the steps below to answer the questions correctly:
Step 1: Write down the differences between circuits in series and circuits in parallel
Step 2: Mathematically represent the differences
Step 3: Draw the circuit diagrams for the described circuits
Step 4: Write down relevant formulas
Step 5: Substitute values into the correct formulas
HINT: The formula for calculating the equivalent resistance is different for resistors in series and resistors in parallel
These YouTube videos will help you in completing the task:
Resources:
The following links will help you:
Detailed explanation of resistors in series: https://intl.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-10/electric-circuits/17-electric-circuits-04
Detailed explanation of resistors in parallel: https://intl.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-10/electric-circuits/17-electric-circuits-05
Electric circuit: https://learn.mindset.africa/resources/physical-sciences/grade-10/electric-circuits
Calculations on resistors in series and parallel:
Evaluation
The following criteria will be used for marking:
Question 1
| 1.1 | 1 mark for correct connection of resistors | 1 mark for overall circuit diagram |
| 1.2 | 1 mark for the correct formula | 2 marks for the correct substitution and answer |
| 1.3 | 1 mark for the correct formula (for each resistor) | 2 marks for the correct substitution and answer (for each resistor) |
| 1.4 | 2 marks for correct explanation |
Question 2
| 1.1 | 1 mark for correct connection of resistors | 1 mark for overall circuit diagram |
| 1.2 | 1 mark for the correct formula | 2 marks for the correct substitution and answer |
| 1.3 | 1 mark for the correct formula (for each resistor) | 2 marks for the correct substitution and answer (for each resistor) |
| 1.4 | 2 marks for correct explanation |
Total for assessment: 32
Conclusion
Now that you are done with this assessment, you should be able to differentiate between series and parallel connections.
For you to be able to do calculations on electric circuits, it's very important that you know the formulas and also when and how to use them.
Questions on electric circuits are usually continuous, therefore, you should be attentive in your calculations.
These two topics, resistor in series and resistors in parallel are very important. They are the building block to electric circuits that have a combination of both resistors in series and parallel. Combined circuits are a bit more complex and need one to thorough understand resistors in series and resistors in parallel.
For better understanding of electric circuits, do a lot of practice exercises and use different sources when you study. Also, watch experiments on YouTube. If possible try doing basic experiments yourself.