Circuit Current Flow

About this simulation

This simulation shows a simple circuit in three layouts: a single resistor, two in series and two in parallel. Blue dots represent electrons moving around the loop, a gold arrow shows conventional current, and each resistor glows more when it heats more. Sliders set the voltage and the two resistor values, and a switch opens or closes the circuit. Readouts give current, total resistance, power and how current splits between the branches. It supports lessons on Ohm's law, series versus parallel circuits and energy transfer.

What students can explore

Choose Two in series and raise Resistor R1, then read how Total resistance and Current change.
Switch to Two in parallel and compare the Through R1 / R2 readout with the two resistor values.
Raise Voltage from 6 V to 12 V and check that the current doubles for a fixed resistance.
Open the switch by turning off Switch closed and watch the electrons stop.
Compare Power P = V x I for series and parallel layouts with the same resistors.

Learning objectives

1Apply Ohm's law to predict current from voltage and resistance.
2Compare total resistance in series and parallel circuits.
3Explain that current splits between parallel branches and the smaller resistor carries more.
4Describe how electrical energy is transferred as heat in a resistor.

Questions teachers ask

Is it free?

Yes. It is free, works in any modern browser including on whiteboards and tablets, and requires no account or sign-up.

Why does adding a parallel resistor lower the total resistance?

Each new branch gives the current another path, so more current can flow for the same voltage. Total resistance follows 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2, which is always less than the smaller resistor.

Which way does current flow?

Conventional current is drawn from the positive terminal to the negative terminal, but the electrons actually move the opposite way. The simulation shows both: a gold arrow for conventional current and blue dots for electrons.

How do I use it in class?

Pick a circuit type, then use the Voltage, R1 and R2 sliders and the switch toggle. Read current and power in the panel and ask students to predict each value before changing a slider.

Embed this simulation

Drop it into your LMS, blog, or class site — free.

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