Energy and Voltage in Circuits

2 marks · Normal

State two advantages of using parallel circuits instead of series circuits for wiring lights in a house.

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Also accept: Each light can be controlled independently.; If one bulb breaks, others remain on.; All bulbs have the same brightness regardless of how many are on.

Common mistakes: Confusing with series circuit properties

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States that lights can be controlled independently.

B2 · 1 mark · States that one bulb failing does not affect the others OR all bulbs keep the same brightness.

Worked solution

Parallel circuits allow: (i) Each light to be switched on or off independently; (ii) If one bulb breaks, the others stay on; (iii) Each bulb receives the full voltage and so remains at full brightness.