Series and Parallel Circuits

Getting good habits

What is a series circuit?

A circuit where the electricity has one pathway to flow (there are no branches)

What happens if a load is disconnected in a series circuit?

The circuit is broken and all the loads stop working

What is the rule for voltage in a series circuit?

The total voltage equals the voltage at each of the loads added up together (V = V + V + V…)

What is the rule for current in a series circuit?

There is only one path for the electrons to flow, so the current in each part of the circuit is the same. **The current never changes.** (I = I = I = I…)

What is the rule for resistance in a series circuit?

When resistors (loads) are placed in series, each of the resistors adds up to total resistance. If the total resistance in the circuit increases, then the total current throughout the circuit decreases. Adding more loads or resistors to a series circuit will increase the total resistance and decrease the total current.

What is a parallel circuit?

There is more than one way for the electrons to flow. This means different loads are connected on different branches of the wire

What happens when a load breaks in a parallel circuit?

The loads on different branches keep working

What is an example of a series circuit?

Christmas lights (usually)

What is an example of a series circuit?

House wiring. One light goes out and the rest stay on because they are connected in parallel

What is the rule for voltage in a parallel circuit?

The voltage across each of the loads in the circuit are equal to each other and the voltage supplied by the source/battery

What is the rule for current in a parallel circuit?

Current is divided into pathways that will rejoin. This means the current through each pathway of the circuit adds up to the total current supplied by the battery/source

What is the rule for resistance in a parallel circuit?

When a resistor is placed in parallel with another resistor, another pathway is available, so the total resistance of the circuit decreases. Think of it like a checkout at a grocery store. If there is only one checkout counter open, the line will be long and it will take a long time to get out of the store. If there are multiple checkout counters open, you will be able to get out of the store faster.