5. METHOD
1. Connect a circuit (as shown)
containing one globe and turn it
on at 6V. Observe the
brightness of the globe.
2. Use a voltmeter to measure the
amount of energy used by the
globe. Record the voltage.
3. Modify the circuit by inserting
a second globe in series. Note
the brightness of each globe.
6. METHOD
4.
Use a voltmeter to measure the
amount of energy used by each
globe. Record each voltage.
5.
Modify the circuit by inserting a
third globe in series. Note the
brightness of each globe.
6.
Use a voltmeter to measure the
amount of energy used by each
globe. Record each voltage.
7.
Remove one globe from the circuit
and observe what happens.
8.
Repeat steps 2-7 but in a parallel
arrangement.
7. RESULTS
• Series Circuit
Circuit
Description of brightness of each globe
Voltage (V)
One light globe
Two light globes
Three light globes
• Parallel Circuit
Circuit
One light globe
Two light globes
Three light globes
Description of brightness of each globe
Voltage (V)
8. DISCUSSION
1. Draw circuit diagrams to demonstrate the three series and
parallel circuits.
2. Compare the brightness of globes in series with that of
globes in parallel.
3. How does the energy used by each globe in a parallel circuit
differ from the energy used by each globe in a series circuit?
4. Would it be sensible to have all of the ceiling lights in your
home connected in series? Give a reason for your answer.
5. What do you think will happen if you added a fourth globe
in the series circuit? What about the parallel circuit?
6. List two advantages of a parallel circuit over a series circuit.
7. Give one advantage of a series circuit over a parallel circuit.
