Series and Parallel Circuits Worksheet - Free Printable

Let’s go through each circuit one by one and decide if it’s series or parallel.

What’s the difference?

- In a series circuit, all parts are connected in a single loop. The same current flows through every part. If one bulb goes out, they all go out.
- In a parallel circuit, there are multiple paths for the current. Each bulb has its own branch. If one bulb goes out, others can still work.

Now let’s look at each numbered circuit:

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Circuit 1:
There are two bulbs, but they’re on separate branches that split from the main wire and then come back together. That means current can flow through either bulb independently → Parallel

Circuit 2:
All three bulbs are lined up one after another in a single path. Current must go through each one in order → Series

Circuit 3:
Three bulbs, each on its own separate branch coming off the main line → Parallel

Circuit 4:
Three bulbs in a row — no branching. One path only → Series

Circuit 5:
Again, three bulbs in a single loop with no splits → Series

Circuit 6:
Two bulbs, but notice: one is directly across the battery, and the other is also connected across the same points (even though drawn differently). They share the same start and end points → Parallel

*(Tip: Trace the wires from each side of the battery — if both bulbs connect to the same two points, it’s parallel.)*

Circuit 7:
Two bulbs in a single path — no branches → Series

Circuit 8:
Two bulbs, each on their own branch from the same two connection points → Parallel

Circuit 9:
Two bulbs side-by-side, sharing the same top and bottom connections → Parallel

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Final Answer:
1) Parallel
2) Series
3) Parallel
4) Series
5) Series
6) Parallel
7) Series
8) Parallel
9) Parallel