Series and Parallel Circuits Computer Lab
Name:_____________________________________________
Series and Parallel Circuits Basics
Learning Target: I can create a series and a parallel circuit and analyze the similarities and differences between them.
Directions:
1. Log on to your computer
2. Go to the following website:
3. Click “Run now.”
You now have the raw materials to create a circuit. Take a moment to look over the site and find all the different materials. To build a circuit you will need several wires, a light bulb, a voltage source, a voltmeter, and a non – contact ammeter. Take a minute, experiment with the various tools you have. Important note: To split a wire from something (a light, a resistor, etc) right-click and click split junction.
Click the reset button once you are done experimenting with the program and ready to move on!
Series Circuits
Build a simple series circuit that consists of the following
6 pieces of wire
1 light bulb
battery (voltage source)
-In order to complete the circuit, the red circles at the end of each must overlap. Please note that the light bulb also has TWO circles. Your circuit is complete and working when the light comes on and the blue dots begin moving.
1. What do the blue dots represent? _____________________________
2. Draw a picture of your circuit below (WE WILL NAME THIS ONE SERIES A).
Next to your SERIES A, make another identical one (We will name this one SERIES B).
3. Right click the battery on Series B, click change voltage and put it all the way up. What does the voltage do to the movement of the electrons? What happens to the brightness of the light in comparison with Series A?
4. Make the voltage of SERIES B the same as SERIES A. Next, place a resistor in SERIES B. What happens to the light? Why?!
5. Next, go to your “Grab Bag.” Place a “Paper Clip” in Series A, and a “Pencil” in series B, make sure both are connected. Which one is better conductor of electricity and how do you know?
6. Next, press “reset all” on the right. Build a series circuit with 2 light bulbs and a switch. Once they are all connected, disconnect one light bulb. What happens to the other one?
7. Last, reconnect your circuit. Add a third light bulb to the circuit. What do you notice about the brightness of the light bulbs?
8. What do you think you can increase in order to make all of the bulbs brighter?
9. Click the advanced tab and alter the resistivity (resistance) of the wire. Record your observations.
Click the reset button to begin working on a parallel circuit.
Parallel Circuits
Parallel circuits provide more than one path for electrons to move. Create this using the simulator tool. The blue dots will be moving and both lights will be on once the circuit is complete. Sketch below a parallel circuit that includes 10 wires, 2 light bulbs and 1 voltage source (Battery).
1. Next, remove and then reconnect various wires in your parallel circuit. What happens? Does it matter which wire you are removing from the circuit?
2. Place a switch somewhere between the battery and the first light bulb. What happens when you turn off the switch?
3. Next, place a switch between the first and second light. What happens when you turn off the switch?
Circuit Challenge!
If you increase the voltage of the battery, how will the light bulb change?
A. It will be look brighter because the yellow lines are brighter and longer
B. It will be less bright because the yellow lines are less bright and shorter
C. There is no change because the bulb just uses the extra energy without changing brightness
If you increase the voltage of the battery, how will the electron display change?
A. The blue dots will get bigger to show more energy is being used
B. The blue dots will move faster to show more energy is being used
C. There is no change
If you build circuit A and then add a resistor as in circuit B, the light will
A. Look brighter
B. Look less bright
C. There will no change in brightness
Create an analogy! Create a series circuit below that incorporates items that represents the following: A source of electrons, a force which pressures those electrons to move, and a resistor. Please draw your analogy below!
Congratulations! You now have an understanding of what the difference is between a series and parallel circuit.
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B
A
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