Potential Difference in Circuits (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Physics): Revision Note

Potential Difference in Series Circuits

• In a series circuit, the sum of potential differences across the components is equal to the total potential difference of the power supply

Potential Difference in a Series Circuit

In a series circuit the components share the potential difference of the power supply 

Potential Difference in Parallel Circuits

• In a parallel circuit:

  • The potential difference across each branch is the same

  • If components are placed in series within a branch, then the potential difference is split across the components within the branch in accordance with the rules of potential difference in series

Lamps connected in a parallel circuit

• In the above circuit:

  • If the battery is marked 12 V, then the potential difference would be 12 V across each lamp