Download Cells in Series and Parallel

CELLS IN SERIES AND
PARALLEL
Lesson 9
Cells in Series

The electric potential given to a single electron by a
dry cell has an average voltage of around 1.5V. By
connecting batteries together in series the voltage
of each cell is added to the total electric potential
of a circuit.
Cells in Series

When the electron leaves the first cell it is given a
boost to 1.5 volts. It then enters the second cell and
given another boost of 1.5 volts for a total of 3.0
volts. Cells can be added in series indefinitely to
increase the voltage of the battery.
Cells in Parallel

In some electronics the voltage required to run them
can be quite low but in order for the device to run
for any length of time larger or more batteries are
needed.
Cells in Parallel

We can add more energy (current) without adding
more voltage by adding the cells in parallel. By
doing this the run time of the electrical device can
be increased.
Cells in Parallel and Series

This increases the voltage and the current supplied
to the circuit. The voltage is increased by the
addition two batteries in series and the current is
increased by the batteries in parallel.
Series Circuits with Multiple Loads

As loads are added to a series circuit, the voltage
stays the same but the current will decrease with
each load added because with each load added
there is more resistance making it harder for the
current to flow
Series Circuits with Multiple Loads

This follows ohms law. V = R x I. As we add more
resistance the current will drop because voltage
stays the same.
Parallel Circuits with Multiple Loads

As loads are added to parallel circuits the current
increases because the electricity has more places to
flow. With each load added the voltage stay the
same and the resistance decreases.
Parallel Circuits with Multiple Loads

Due to Ohms law, if voltage stays the same and
resistance drops, current must increase.
Lab