Download 13.10 * How series and Parallel Circuits Differ

13.10 – How series and Parallel
Circuits Differ
Loads in Series
 Current
 A series circuit with one load will have a different total
resistance than the same circuit with two loads
 The greater the number of loads the greater the resistance to
the flow of electrons through the circuit (therefore less current)
 See figure 1 and practice problem #1 on p. 571
Loads in Series
 Voltage (Potential Difference)
 If you connected 3 bulbs in series they would not be as bright
as if there were only 1 or 2bulbs in the circuit
 This is because the battery can only provide so much potential
difference to each electron that leaves the source. The energy is
then distributed across all loads in the circuit
 See sample problem #2 on p 572
Loads in Parallel
 Current
 The current from the source will divide to the different “paths”
leading to the various loads.
 Like a river dividing, the current flowing to any load is less
than the current leaving the source.
 The equation for calculating this current can be found on p.
573
 See sample Problem #3 on p. 573
Loads in Parallel
 Voltage
 Each electron leaving the source has the same amount of
potential energy. Because the electrons move through different
paths to only one load, they are able to deliver all of their
potential energy to that one load
 Therefore, all loads in a parallel circuit receive the same
amount of voltage
 See sample problem #4
Homework
 Copy table #1 on p. 574 as a summary
 P. 575 #s 2-6