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Compare & Contrast Series Circuits & Parallel Circuits
What are the three components that make up a circuit?
Series
Parallel
Components connected in series are connected along a
single path, so the same current flows through all of the
components.
Components connected in parallel are connected so
the same voltage is applied to each component.
the current through each of the components is the
same
To calculate current:
First you need to calculate total resistance of the circuit,
then use ohm’s law.
total current is the sum of the currents through all the
components
First calculate individual currents running through
each resistor using ohm’s law, then add up the
individual currents to find the total current of the
circuit
voltage across the components is shared
The voltage of series circuit is equal to the voltage
source, for example if you have a 12 volt battery, then
the voltage is 12 volts.
Remember with series circuit, there is voltage drop
across each resistor. To find voltage drop use ohm’s
law.
voltage across each of the components is the same
For example if you have a 12 volt battery, 12 volts is
used by each branch.
Resistance
The resistance is all connected on one circuit. To
calculate add up all resistors.
Resistance
Because each resistor is on its own branch, resistance
is partial (small value). To find use ohm’s law.
In a series circuit, every device must function for
the circuit to be complete. One bulb burning out in
a series circuit kills the circuit.
In parallel circuits, each light has its own circuit, so all
but one light could be burned out, and the last one will
still function.
If you add a resistor in:
Series
Parallel
equivalent resistance
increases
decreases
total current in circuit
decreases
increases
current through each device
the same
depends on its resistance
depends on its resistance
the same
voltage across each device