Series & Parallel Circuit Simulator
Classroom worksheet · Interactive simulation: https://lkforge.com/tools/physics/circuit-simulator/
Name: Date:
Learning objectives
- Compute equivalent resistance for series and parallel resistors.
- Apply Ohm’s law to find current and voltage.
- Contrast how current and voltage divide in each configuration.
Variables to change
- Resistor values
- Series/parallel arrangement
- Supply voltage
Procedure
- Build two resistors in series and note the total resistance and current.
- Rebuild them in parallel and compare the total resistance and current.
- Change one resistor value and observe the effect in each case.
Observations
Record total resistance, total current, and the voltage or current across each resistor.
Questions
- How do you find total resistance in series? In parallel?
- Is the equivalent resistance of parallel resistors larger or smaller than the smallest one?
- In a series circuit, what is the same through every resistor?
- In a parallel circuit, what is the same across every branch?
- State Ohm’s law.
Answer key (instructors)
- 1. Series: R = R₁ + R₂ + …. Parallel: 1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + ….
- 2. Smaller — adding parallel paths always lowers total resistance.
- 3. The current is the same everywhere; the voltage divides among them.
- 4. The voltage is the same across each branch; the current divides.
- 5. V = I·R.
Series resistances add and share one current while splitting voltage; parallel resistances combine reciprocally (total below the smallest) and share one voltage while splitting current. Ohm’s law V = IR ties them together.