8

Science
Quarter 1 - Module 8:
Electrical Circuit

CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
 8
Science
Quarter 1 - Module 8:
Electrical Circuit
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you understand the properties, advantages and disadvantages of electric circuit.
The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning
situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students.
The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the
order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you
are now using.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of series and parallel connections
at homes. (MELC Week 7 S8FE-li-31)

1 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
 What I Know

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. It is a closed-loop through which current flows.

A. Circuit
B. Current
C. Resistance
D. Voltage

For question nos. 2 to 6, the choices are as follows:

A. series circuit
B. parallel circuit
C. either A or B
D. neither A nor B

2. What type of circuit is appropriate in connecting appliances and light bulbs at

home?

3. What type of circuit connection is used in Christmas lights?

4. What type of circuit connection should a light bulb be connected to maintain

maximum brightness?

5. What type of circuit connection should a light bulb be connected to maintain

the amount of current in the conducting wire?

6. Circuits at home are usually connected in _______.

7. The following are advantages of bulbs connected in series EXCEPT:

A. It does not overheat.

B. It is easy to install and maintain.
C. Low current is needed to light all the bulbs.
D. Large amount of current is needed to light all the bulbs.

8. The following are disadvantages of connecting too many bulbs in parallel

EXCEPT:
A. Bulb will easily overheat.
B. It is difficult to maintain and install.
C. There will be current overloading in the conducting wire.
D. There will be equal amount of voltage for every load in a circuit.

2 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
9. If one bulb of Christmas lights, connected in series is burned out, what will
happen to the other light bulbs?
A. All other bulbs will no longer work.
B. All other bulbs will continue to light.
C. The brightness of the bulbs will increase.
D. The brightness of the bulbs will decrease.

10. Three light bulbs with resistances 2000 Ω, 1600 Ω, and 800 Ω are connected in
series respectively. Which one has the highest brightness when the circuit is
plugged to a 220 V voltage source?

A. 800 Ω
B. 1600 Ω
C. 2000 Ω
D. none of the above

11. Which of the following is usually connected in a series circuit?

A. Christmas lights
B. appliances at home
C. light bulbs at home
D. headlight of motorcycle

12. Which of the following best describes a parallel circuit?

A. Current flows along one pathway.

B. Current flows along more than one pathways.
C. The flow of current comes from several sources.
D. The flow of current comes from more than one load.

13. Which of the following best describes a series circuit?

A. Current flows along one pathway.

B. Current flows along many pathways.
C. The flow of current comes from the switch.
D. The flow of current comes from the light bulb.

14. What will happen if one light bulb is removed from a series circuit?

A. The other bulbs will not work.

B. The other bulbs will get dimmer.
C. The other bulbs will get brighter.
D. The battery will become stronger.

15. What will happen if one light bulb is removed from a parallel circuit?

A. The other bulbs will not work.

B. The other bulbs will get dimmer.
C. The other bulbs will continue to light.
D. Some bulbs will get dimmer and some will get brighter.

3 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
 Advantages and
Lesson
Disadvantages of Series
1
and Parallel Circuits

In our previous lesson, we learned how to apply Ohm’s Law for every current
that passes through a load. Ohm’s law is applicable within a circuit at home.
Meaning, the amount of voltage, current and resistance, could be determined when
electrical devices are working or functioning at home. Also, these devices need a
closed loop from the voltage source for the electrical charges to flow in a conducting
wire. In this lesson, we shall explain more about circuit, types of circuit and their
distinctive properties including their advantages and disadvantages when used at
home.

Basics of Electric Circuit

A closed loop through which current can flow is called an electric circuit.
For a continuous flow of electrons, there must be a complete circuit with no gaps. A
gap is usually provided by an electric switch that can be opened or closed to either
cut off or allow energy to flow.

The flow of electron starts from the negative terminal of a battery where
there are abundant negative charges, to the load, to the electrical switch, and back
to the positive terminal where there are deficient negative charges.

Here in the Philippines, most electric circuits at home have a voltage of 220
volts. The amount of current a circuit carries depends on the number and power of
electrical devices connected to the circuit. Home circuits have maximum service
drop current of 60 A. But for safety purposes what is supplied for every voltage
source is from 15 to 30 A.

4 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
Components of Electric Circuit

All electric circuits have at least three components: a voltage source,

conducting wires, and loads. They may have other parts as well, such as switches.

Voltage source is a device that maintains a constant amount of voltage.

Common voltage sources used at home are battery, generator, wall socket, and
electric outlet.

Conducting wires are special kind of conductors where current can pass
through easily. There is a corresponding safe amount of current that can pass
through for every size, thickness, or cross-sectional area of conducting wire. So, it
is important to consider the dimension of wire to be used when connecting a load
or number of loads in a circuit.

Electrical switch is a device that can control the entrance of current. When
it is on, the circuit is closed, then current can pass through. When it is off, the
circuit is open, and current cannot pass through.

Electrical load is an electrical device that converts electrical energy to heat

like in the case of electric iron, and to light and heat like in the case of a light bulb.

Activity 1. Familiarizing Electric Circuit

Directions: Draw and label the parts of a basic electrical circuit. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Fig. 1 Components of Electric Circuit

.
Illustrated by: Rosa Mia L. Pontillo

5 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
Activity 2. Identifying Circuit Connection at Home
Directions: The pictures below show common circuit connection at home. Describe
how these appliances and light bulbs are connected at home. Write
your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1.

Illustrated by: Rosa Mia L. Pontillo

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

2.

Illustrated by: Rosa Mia L. Pontillo

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Rubrics for Scoring

2 points Descriptions about circuit connections at
home are complete.
1 point Descriptions about circuit connections at
home are incomplete.
0 No description.

6 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
 We shall now explore the two types of circuit connections. At this point, it is
again important to recall that circuit provides a path for electrons to flow. This path
can be in a single direction or can be a branched path. If you were an electron and
were given a single path, you do not have another option but to proceed and take
that path. If you were given more paths to take, then you can choose from among
these paths. If there were many of you, you may divide yourselves among the
paths. Do electrons behave in the same manner? Yes, you are right! They move
through the conducting wires in the circuit.

Series Circuit

A circuit that consists of one loop is called a series circuit. You can see a
simple series circuit diagram in Figure 2. If a series circuit is interrupted at any
point in its single loop, no current can flow through the circuit and no loads in the
circuit will work. In series circuit, if one light bulb burns out, the other light bulb
will not work because it will not receive any current. Series circuits are commonly
used in Christmas lights. The electrical switch is also connected in series with the
light bulbs.

Fig. 2 Series connection with two light bulbs

Illustrated by Rey R. Angel

where: Vs = voltage source

It = total current
R1 and R2 are loads connected in series

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Properties of a Series Circuit

1. The total resistance of a series circuit is the sum of all resistances in the
circuit. Total resistance is always greater than the individual resistances in a
series circuit.

2. The voltage source is equal to the sum of all voltages in each load in a circuit.

3. The current is constant across each load.

Figure 3 shows an example of an electric circuit diagram in series connection.

There are three loads in the circuit with corresponding resistances: R1, R2 and R3
respectively. Using the properties of series connection, the total resistance (R t) is
equal to the sum of R1, R2 and R3 or Rt = R1 + R2 + R3. The total resistance is greater
than R1, R2 and R3 or Rt > R1, Rt > R2, Rt > R3. Each load has different voltage V 1 for
R1, V2 for R2 and V3 for R3. But the voltage source (Vs) is equal to the sum of V1, V2
and V3 or Vs = V1 + V2 + V3. Since current is equal across each load, therefore,

It = I1=I2=I3.

Fig. 3 Series connection with three light bulbs

Illustrated by Rey R. Angel
Using Ohm’s Law, voltage can be expressed as follows:

V s = It Rt Voltage source using the values of Rt and It

V1 = ItR1 Voltage at R1 using the constant value of It
V2 = ItR2 Voltage at R2 using the constant value of It
V3 = ItR3 Voltage at R3 using the constant value of It

Since, Vs = V1 + V2 + V3
Then, It Rt = It R1 + It R2 + ItR3
= It (R1 + R2 + R3)
Resulting to Rt = R1 + R2 + R3, total resistance of a series
circuit for three resistances.

So generally, for a series circuit the total resistance

8 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
 Rt = R1 + R2 + R3 + . . .
𝑉𝑠
Since It = , in a series circuit, the more load is added, the total resistance
𝑅𝑡

increases at constant current. The load with higher resistance has greater amount
of voltage across it, causing the load to convert more electrical energy to light and
heat.

Advantages of Using Series Connection

The following are some of the advantages of series connection:

1. A series connection does not overheat easily. For a given circuit of two
loads, the amount of current passing through each load is constant. If you add
more loads, the amount of current passing through in all the loads is still
constant. However, the amount of current in a circuit with two loads is higher
than the amount of current in a circuit with more than two loads. Meaning, the
more loads connected in series circuit the amount of current reduces.

2. In a series circuit, there is the only one path for the current to flow from
the voltage source to the different loads. It would be easy to connect and
disconnect new load.

3. Since series circuit is less likely to overheat, there is no need to use

expensive, thick wires.

Disadvantages of Using Series Connection

The following are some of the disadvantages of series connection:

1. If one of the light bulbs is damaged or removed in a series connection, all
other light bulbs in the circuit will not light too. This is because the point where
the bulb is damaged or removed causes the circuit to open, resulting to
discontinue the flow of current in the circuit.

2. The addition of more light bulbs in series circuit causes a decrease in the
brightness of the bulbs. Given a fixed amount of voltage supplied by the voltage
source, the more bulbs are added would mean more bulbs will share the available
electrical energy to be converted to light energy.

9 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
 3. The loads in a series circuit are difficult to control individually. When the
switch is off, all loads in the circuit will not function anymore.

4. It is difficult to identify the damaged bulb in the circuit.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit that has two or more loops is called a parallel circuit. A simple
parallel circuit diagram of two loops is shown in Figure 4. If one loop is
interrupted, the current can still flow through the other loop. In the parallel circuit,
if one light bulb burns out, the other light bulb will still work because current can
still flow through it. A common example of parallel circuit is the connection of
electrical wirings at home.

Fig. 4 Parallel connection with two light bulbs

Illustrated by Rey R. Angel

Where: Vs = voltage source

I1 = current at R1
I2 = current at R2
It = total current
R1 and R2 are loads connected in parallel

Properties of a Parallel Circuit

1. The reciprocal of the total resistance in a parallel circuit is the sum of the
reciprocal of all resistances in the circuit. Total resistance is always less than
the smallest resistance in the circuit.
2. There is only one voltage which is equal to a voltage source.
3. The total current is equal to the sum of all currents in each load in a parallel
circuit.

Figure 4 shows an example of an electric circuit diagram in parallel

connection. There are two loads in the circuit with corresponding resistances, R1
and R2 respectively. Using the properties of parallel connection, the total resistance

10 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
(Rt) is always less than the smallest resistance in the circuit. Each load has
different current I1 for R1 and I2 for R2. But the total current (It) is equal to the sum
of I1 and I2 or It = I1 + I2. Since voltage is equal across each load, therefore, Vs =
V1=V2.

Applying Ohm’s Law in Figure 4, current can be expressed as follows:

Vs
It = Total current using the values of V s and Rt
Rt
Vs
I1 = Current at R1 using the constant value of Vs
R1
𝑉𝑠
I2 = Current at R2 using the constant value of Vs
𝑅2

Since, I t = I1 + I2 equation 1
Vs Vs 𝑉𝑠
Then, = + equation 2
Rt R1 𝑅2

1
Multiplying equation 2 with would result to:
𝑉𝑠
1 1 1
= + , Total resistance of a parallel circuit
𝑅𝑡 𝑅1 𝑅2

So generally, the total resistance for more than two loads connected in
parallel is given by:

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= + + ...
𝑹𝒕 𝑹𝟏 𝑹𝟐

𝑉𝑠
Since It= , the more load is added in parallel connection, the total
𝑅𝑡
resistance decreases and current also increases.

Advantages of Using Parallel Connection

The following are some of the advantages of parallel connection:

1. All loads in parallel connection are directly connected to the voltage

source. Even the resistances vary, all light bulbs can still have their maximum
brightness.
2. In a parallel circuit, even if one of the light bulbs is damaged, all other
light bulbs will still function since the flow of current is not entirely interrupted.
3. Individual load in a parallel circuit is easy to control. Each load has a
connecting wire for the current to flow, and each may have its own switch. Even if
you switch off one bulb, other bulbs are not affected.
4. All light bulbs and appliances at home are connected in parallel.
Switching off some appliances does not affect other appliances.

11 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
 Disadvantages of Using Parallel Connection

The following are some of the disadvantages of parallel connection:

1. Overloading may happen if appliances are simultaneously used at home.

With more loads, total resistance decreases resulting to excessive, large
amount of current that would pass through the conducting wires.
Consequently, overheating of wires takes place which may lead to fire.
2. A parallel connection is difficult to install, maintain, and repair since
large volume of conducting wires is needed. When problem in the
connection occurs, it is difficult to identify which loop among the many
loops does not work.
3. It requires the use of several conducting wires of varying sizes.

Activity 3. Checking Your Understanding on Series and Parallel Circuit

Directions: Write True if the statement is true and if the statement is false, change
the underlined word to make the statement true. Write your answers
on a separate sheet of paper.

_______1. In a series circuit, if one light bulb does not function all other light bulbs
will still function.

_______2. In a parallel circuit, not all light bulbs do not have the same brightness in
the circuit.

_______3. In a parallel circuit, loads are easy to control individually.

_______4. A parallel circuit is easy to install.

_______5. Series circuits do not overheat easily.

_______6. Adding more loads in parallel circuit may overload the circuit.

_______7. Every load in a parallel circuit has the same voltage.

_______8. The parallel circuit is difficult to install and repair due to the volume of
conducting wires required in the connection.

_______9. In a series circuit, loads are difficult to control individually.

12 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
Directions: Fill in the blanks to complete the statements. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Circuit connections can either be series or parallel. In a __________ connection,

there is only one path of electrons, and loads connected have the same current
passing through them. However, in a __________ connection, there are several
pathways for the current to flow through.

2. The total resistance in a __________ circuit is the sum of all resistances

connected in the circuit.

3. The voltage source in__________ circuit is the sum of all voltages of the loads
connected in the circuit.

4. The total resistance in a _________circuit is greater than the largest resistance

across the circuit.
5. Loads connected in parallel circuit have the __________voltage.

6. The reciprocal of the total resistance in a __________circuit is the sum of the

reciprocal resistances across the circuit.

7. The total resistance in a parallel circuit is __________ than the smallest

resistance across the circuit.
8. Switches are connected in__________ connection with the load.

9. In __________circuit, all loads are directly connected to the voltage source.

However, if too many loads are simultaneously connected at home, overloading
may happen.

10. In__________ circuit, overheating does not easily happen. But, the addition of
more light bulbs in this circuit causes a decrease in the brightness of the
bulbs.

13 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
Activity 4. Electrical Connection at Home

Directions: Study the situation below, then answer the questions that follow. Write
your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

In a household, a family of seven members shares the spaces of two

bedrooms, one comfort room, a kitchen, a living room and a balcony. The
bedrooms have light bulbs and ceiling fan. The comfort room that has one light
bulb is situated near the living room that also has light bulb, refrigerator, ceiling
fan, and TV in place. In the kitchen space, light bulb, washing machine, heater and
electric stove can be found. The household has also a balcony installed with a light
bulb.

1. How are the light bulbs connected in the household?

_______________________________________________________________________________

2. How are the appliances in the living room connected?

_______________________________________________________________________________

3. How are the appliances in the kitchen connected?

______________________________________________________________________________

4. Based on your answers in questions 1 to 3, what are the advantages and

disadvantages when electrical devices at home are connected in that manner?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

Rubric for Scoring

Discussions are complete based on the
2 points advantages and disadvantages of circuit
connections.
Discussions are incomplete based on the
1 point advantages and disadvantages of circuit
connections.
0 No discussion.

14 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following electrical quantities in parallel circuit is constant?

A. Voltage
B. Current
C. Resistance
D. Total resistance

2. What happens to the brightness of the bulbs connected in series when more
and more bulbs are added to the circuit?

A. increases
B. decreases
C. remains the same
D. cannot be predicted

3. The following are advantages of a series circuit EXCEPT:

A. Series circuits do not overheat easily.

B. Easy to install and easy to repair and maintain.
C. All loads in a series circuit have the same current.
D. If one load fails, all loads in the circuit will not function.

4. The following are disadvantages of a series circuit EXCEPT:

A. It is difficult to control the load individually.

B. It is easy to install, repair and maintain the circuit.
C. It is difficult to identify the damaged light bulb in the circuit.
D. Since voltage is not equal for every load, not all loads will have the same
brightness.

5. The following are advantages of a parallel circuit EXCEPT:

A. Loads are easy to control.

B. If one load fails, other loads can still function.
C. Large volume of conducting wires will be needed.
D. Every load connected in parallel circuit gets an equal amount of voltage.

15 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
6. The following are true about parallel circuit EXCEPT:
A. Voltage is constant across the circuit.
B. Total resistance is less than the smallest resistance in the circuit.
C. Total resistance is greater than the largest resistance in the circuit.
D. Total current is the sum of current passing through all the loads in the
circuit.

7. Which of the following is correct, when the resistances of 1.0 Ω, 2.0 Ω and 3.0 Ω
are connected in series circuit?
A. The total resistance is less than 1.0 Ω.
B. The total resistance is less than 2.0 Ω.
C. The total resistance is less than 3.0 Ω.
D. The total resistance is greater than 3.0 Ω.

8. Which of the following is correct, when the resistances of 1.0 Ω, 2.0 Ω and 3.0 Ω
are connected in parallel circuit?
A. The total resistance is less than 1.0 Ω.
B. The total resistance is greater than 1.0 Ω.
C. The total resistance is greater than 2.0 Ω.
D. The total resistance is greater than 3.0 Ω.

9. Which of the following is connected in series with the load at home?

A. TV
B. Switch
C. Light bulbs
D. Refrigerator

10. The following are connected in parallel circuit at home EXCEPT:

A. TV
B. Light bulbs
C. Refrigerator
D. Christmas lights

For question nos. 11 to 15, the choices are as follows:

A. advantage of series circuit

B. advantage of parallel circuit
C. disadvantage of series circuit
D. disadvantage of parallel circuit

11. The circuit does not overheat easily.

12. It is easy to control the load individually.
13. Adding more loads may cause overloading in the circuit.
14. If one bulb is damaged in the circuit, other bulbs will still function.
15. If one bulb is damaged in the circuit, all other bulbs will not function too.

16 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8
Activity 5. The Use of Extension Wires at Home

Directions: State the advantages and disadvantages when the manner of using
extension wires at home is the same with what is shown in figure 5.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Fig. 5 Actual use .of extension wire at home

Illustrated by: Rosa Mia L. Pontillo
Advantages:

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Disadvantages:
__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Rubric for Scoring

2 points Discussions are conceptually complete.
1 point Discussions are conceptually incomplete.
0 No discussion

17 CO_Q1_Science8_Module8