series and parallel circuits

Series circuits

• The current is the same through each component (I1 = I2 = I3)

• the total potential difference of the power supply is shared between the components (V total = V1 +V2)

• Total resistance is the sum of all components resistance added up (R total = R1 + R2)

Parallel circuits

• The potential difference across each component is the same (V1 =V2 = V3)

• the current is shared equally between pathways (I total = I1 +I2)

• Because there are multiple pathways to flow, total resistance is always smaller than the individual resistors (1/R = 1/R2 + 1/R3)

Variables in those of circuit practical

Independent variable-  the circuit layout

Dependent variable- current + potential difference

Control variable- resistors, thickness/length of wires, battery voltage

Effect of adding resistors in series and parallel circuits

Series - increase total resistance (current had to pass through them regardless)

Parallel - decreased total resistance (creates more pathways for current to flow through, like adding more lanes on a highway, also increases size of denominator in equation)