Series and Parallel Circuits

These flashcards cover key definitions and formulas related to series and parallel circuits, as presented in the course lecture.

Series Circuit

An electric circuit whose component parts are arranged end-to-end so that the current passes consecutively through each part.

Parallel Circuit

An electric circuit where the component parts are connected as branches of the main circuit so that the current is divided among them.

Total Resistance in Series Circuits

The total resistance is equal to the sum of the individual resistances.

Total Current in Series Circuits

The current through each circuit element is the same and is equal to the total circuit current.

Voltage in Series Circuits

The sum of the voltages across each circuit element is equal to the total circuit voltage.

Total Resistance in Parallel Circuits

The total resistance is the inverse of the sum of the reciprocals of each individual resistance.

Current in Parallel Circuits

The sum of the currents through each circuit element is equal to the total circuit current.

Voltage in Parallel Circuits

The voltage across each circuit element is the same and is equal to the total circuit voltage.

Current (IT) in Series Circuit Formula

IT = I1 = I2 = I3

Total Voltage (VT) in Series Circuit Formula

VT = V1 + V2 + V3

Current (IT) in Parallel Circuit Formula

IT = I1 + I2 + I3

Total Resistance (RT) in Parallel Circuit Formula

RT = 1/(1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3)

Total Voltage (VT) in Parallel Circuit Formula

VT = V1 = V2 = V3

Current (IT) in Series Circuit Formula

IT = I1 = I2 = I3

Total Resistance (RT) in Series Circuit Formula

RT = R1 + R2 + R3

Voltage (V) in Series Circuit Formula

V = VT = V1 + V2 + V3

Current (IT) in Parallel Circuit Formula

IT = I1 + I2 + I3

Voltage (V) in Parallel Circuit Formula

V = VT = V1 = V2 = V3

Total Resistance (RT) in Parallel Circuit Formula

RT = 1/(1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3