Study Guide
12
Voltage and current
Think about it!
Electricity has
both "voltage"
and "current".
There's an
explanation on
the next page.
♦
When the miniature bulb and motor are connected to a single battery in a series circuit:
♦
When the miniature bulb and motor are connected to a single battery in a parallel circuit:
Only the miniature bulb works when the
miniature bulb and motor are connected in
series.
The electricity from the single battery is
distributed as it travels and there isn't
enough voltage to power the motor.
The miniature bulb and the propeller both
function normally when connected in a
parallel circuit.
Electricity from the battery is evenly
distributed and both receive sucient
voltage.
However, it uses more electricity than the
series circuit and will drain the battery faster.
“Voltage” is the force used to move the electricity.
It pushes the electricity from the
battery to the miniature bulb and the motor
(propeller).
“Current” is the amount of electricity that ows.
The greater the current, the brighter
the bulb will shine and the faster
the motor will spin.
The battery
drains faster
Bulb lights
up.
Bulb lights
up.
Propeller
rotates.
Propeller does
not rotate.
Voltage and current