Series and parallel circuits
How current and voltage share out in series and in parallel.
Planned. This module is part of the plan and is not written yet.Handled with care: read the note under Practicalities before using this module.
Why it matters
In a string of fairy lights wired in series, one dead bulb blacks out the lot. The sockets in a building are wired in parallel, so each works on its own.
Draft outline · in review- For
- Level 9–10 · JSS 3 (BECE) to SSS 1
- Inside
- 5 lessons and a test · about 75 minutes
- Topic
- Electricity · core, 2 of 4
Inside the module.
5 lessons in order, about 75 minutes in all, then a short test. Learners go at their own pace; the minutes are a guide, not a timetable.
Draft outline · in review
Lesson 1: Series circuits
One path: the same current everywhere, and the voltage shared out.
Explain15 min, from minute 0
Lesson 2: Parallel circuits
Several paths: the same voltage across each, and the current split between them.
Explain15 min, from minute 15
Lesson 3: Build both
Build two bulbs in series and in parallel, compare their brightness and unscrew one.
Lab20 min, from minute 30
Lesson 4: Adding resistances in series
R total = R1 + R2 + R3, then find the current.
Worked example15 min, from minute 50
Lesson 5: Practice
Mixed series and parallel questions.
Practice10 min, from minute 65
End-of-module test
Describe current and voltage in series and parallel circuits, and calculate the total resistance of resistors in series.
Mastered at 85% or more. Retake it until you pass; nothing is lost, and each try gives feedback.
Already know it? A Challenge Test (planned) clears the whole module: 90% overall, no objective below 75%.
Last stageafter about 75 min
Practicalities
Draft outline · in reviewHandle with care
Experiments use low-voltage batteries only, never mains electricity. The facilitator's safety notes come first.
Built to run offline
Planned to run on the Lantern's own computer, with no internet needed.
Beyond the screen
Needs materials
Materials
A battery pack of 3–6 V (AA cells in a holder), Insulated wires with crocodile clips, Two or three small bulbs in holders and A multimeter, if one is available
Languages
Planned first in English; every module aims to reach all of the Lantern's languages.
Try a question.
One question from the module, as a learner would meet it. Have a go, then open the worked solution a step at a time.
Draft outline · in review
Resistors of 10 Ω, 20 Ω and 30 Ω are joined in series to a 12 V battery. What is the total resistance, and what current flows?
Work it out on paper first, then show the answer and mark it yourself.
Particulars
Where it sits
What a learner can do after it
- Describe current and voltage in series and in parallel circuits.
- Calculate total resistance for resistors in series.
Level
Level 9–10 · JSS 3 (BECE) to SSS 1
Level mappings are approximate. A qualified teacher or lecturer in each country must check them before they appear in the app.
Difficulty for its level
2 of 4 · Core
Time
About 75 minutes
Alignments
- Aligned to WASSCEpartial · in reviewWASSCE Physics syllabus: series and parallel arrangements
Alignment in review until a qualified teacher or lecturer checks it. No exam body, university or vendor endorses us; learners still sit the real exam.
Challenge Test
Planned: a Challenge Test to prove you know it and skip it. Pass at 90% overall, with no objective below 75%.
University courses it previews
Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine and Surgery
On these pathways
The route here.
Everything this module builds on, drawn as a route from its foundations. Solid lanes must be mastered first, or cleared by a Challenge Test; dashed lanes are suggestions that never lock anything.
- MA-ALG-FRM-01Substituting into formulaeMaths · JSS 1 to JSS 2 (Level 7–8) · Planned · recommended
- SC-PHY-ELC-01Circuits and currentSciences · JSS 1 to JSS 2 (Level 7–8) · Planned
- SC-PHY-ELC-02Voltage, current and resistanceSciences · JSS 2 to JSS 3 (BECE) (Level 8–9) · Planned Needs Circuits and current (required), Substituting into formulae (recommended).
- SC-PHY-ELC-04Series and parallel circuitsSciences · JSS 3 (BECE) to SSS 1 (Level 9–10) · Planned · the destination Needs Voltage, current and resistance (required).
Help light the room where this is learned.
Every route on this map starts in a classroom with 24 stations, a tutor that works offline and a facilitator upstairs. Four are planned and waiting for light.