A circuit provides a path for electric charges to flow from the negative pole of a battery to the positive pole. In a series circuit, the current is the same through each device as charges must pass through them sequentially, while the voltage drops across each device. In a parallel circuit, each device has its own current path and the voltage is the same across each branch, while the current in each branch can differ. Household circuits are wired in parallel which can cause overloading if too many devices draw too much current and heat the wiring.

2. This provides a path for e to flow

3. Move from negative pole of battery to positive

4. As charges move through circuit, they lose energy (lose voltage – J/C)

5. Like water flowing through pipe

6. Charges are not allowed to bunch up

7. Devices can be connected in series or parallel

9. Therefore, the current is the same through each

10. As charge leaves a voltage supply (or battery) it loses voltage (J/C) moving through each device – voltage drops

11. The sum of voltage drops = voltage supply

12. Any break in circuit, all movement of charges ceases

14. Therefore, the current must be different

15. The current into a branch = current out of

16. The more devices, the more current paths, the larger the current that leaves the battery, the faster the battery is drained

18. parallel

19. Additional paths lower the

20. combined resistance, ↑ current

21. Too much current causes wiring

22. to heat & melt insulation – overloading the circuit

23. Fuses or circuit breakers help prevent this

24. Fuse has wire ribbon that melts, must be replaced

25. Breakers use magnets or bimetallic strips, are reset

26. Touching wires because of worn insulation = short circuit