Comparing Series and Parallel Circuits
The Series vs. Parallel Circuits Video Tutorial first explains how to represent circuits by schematic diagrams and then lays a foundation for understanding the differences between series and parallel circuits.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How can conventional circuit symbols be used to represent circuits?
- How do series and parallel arrangement of resistors compare and contrast
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Concept Builders, Electric Circuits section, Series vs. Parallel Circuits
This Concept Builder has three difficulty levels. The earliest difficulty level makes a great follow-up to the video. After additional learning, the remaining two levels will be suitable for practice.
Physics Classroom Tutorial, Electric Circuits Chapter
The written tutorial on our website forms of the basis of our video tutorials. They are still a good reference, especially if you want quick access to information for review purposes. These two pages match the content of our video tutorial.
Circuit Symbols and Schematic Diagrams
Two Types of Connections
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner, Electric Circuits Section
Our Curriculum Corner is composed of a collection of Think Sheets. Each one makes for a great component of any Lesson Plan. They work great for both independent practice exercises and cooperative group exercises. The following Think Sheets are a good starting location:
Series Circuits
Parallel Circuits
Teacher Toolkits: Circuit Concepts
Try a Teacher Toolkit ... you might be very glad that you did. Each toolkit includes annotated links to vetted resources from across the web that we feel reliably support the specific topic. Give one of these a try:
Circuit Concepts
Series Circuits
Parallel Circuits \
Physics Interactives, DC Circuit Builder
This simulation has loads of uses. We have five classroom-ready, easy-to-use exercises that accompany it. You might be interested in our Conceptual Exploration activity.
Science Reasoning Center: Series and Parallel Circuits
This downloadable PDF from our Science Reasoning Center includes a reading passage followed by a collection of questions. The passage pertains to an experiment similar to the one described early in the video and the questions focus students' efforts on reasoning from data to appropriate conclusions.
Concept Builders, Electric Circuits section, Series vs. Parallel Circuits
This Concept Builder has three difficulty levels. The earliest difficulty level makes a great follow-up to the video. After additional learning, the remaining two levels will be suitable for practice. Combine it with a Task Tracker account and access records of student progress.
Physics Classroom Tutorial, Electric Circuits Chapter
The written tutorial on our website forms of the basis of our video tutorials. They are still a good reference, especially if students want quick access to information for review purposes. These two pages match the content of our video tutorial. Consider linking to them from your course page.
Circuit Symbols and Schematic Diagrams
Two Types of Connections
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.