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Series Circuits
• Circuits in which there is only one path for current to flow
through
• All elements of the circuit (resistors, switches etc…) are
in the same path – “In Series” with each other.
• The resistance in the circuit is the sum of the resistances
in the series.
• Current in the circuit is the same in all parts of the circuit.
I = V/R
• Different components use (or “drop”) different voltages
based on their resistance. V = IR
• If one element fails (creating an open circuit), no current
will flow
Electrical Circuit Symbols
Series Circuit
Parallel Circuits
• Circuits in which there is more than one path for current
to flow through.
• Elements of the circuit (resistors, switches etc…) can be
in the different “Parallel” paths
• The different Parallel paths can have multiple elements
that are in Series with each other.
• The voltage across each parallel path is the same.
• Current in the different parallel paths can be different
(with different resistances) or the same. (with equal
resistances) I = V/R
• If one element fails (creating an open circuit), no current
will flow through that path, but the other paths will be
unaffected, maintaining their individual currents.
Parallel Circuit
Combination Circuit
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/circuits/u9l4e.html
• In combination circuits, both series and parallel parts
exist. The resistance of a parallel section can be
represented by a single net resistance in series with the
rest of the circuit.