Lesson 2: Series Circuit

Learning Objective: 1. Create a series circuit.

2. Observe what affects a series circuit

What is a Series?

circuit diagram

cell switch

lamp

wires

Scientists usually draw electric circuits using symbols;Draw the series circuit, this is your guide to refer back to.

1. Create your own series circuit with one light bulb.

2. Observe what happens as you add in up to 4 more light bulbs.

3. Create a table to record the observations

4. Answer the following questions:O What happens to the brightness of the bulbs as

you add more?O Try to explain what happens to the brightness of

the bulbs when you add more bulbs to the circuit

# of light bulbs ?

AdvantagesYou can add more power sources, like batteries, and increase the force of the output = more power (ie brighter lights)

Disadvantages1. It is impossible to control the bulbs

individually.

2. The more output devices (ie lightbulbs) you add the slower the current becomes as there is more resistance in the circuit. Ex The more light bulbs = dimmer lights.

3. If a bulb were broken or the pathway broken in any way, the other bulbs would go out too

What if all circuits were in series?

I'm off to bed but my sister wants to stay up and watch TV

The bulb has blown inthe lounge lights andI need to find areplacement

I'm having a party andI want a long string oflights on the wall

My rear light has goneout on my car andI'm driving on themotorway at night