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A circuit consists of several electronic components: resistors, capacitors, transistors, inductors and diodes. Conductive wires connect all these parts so that the current can flow. If there is any breakage of wire or the circuit is open, the current will not flow. There are two frequently used methods of combining these circuits: parallel combination and series combination. As the name suggests, the components connect each other in the series combination at their ends, making a single path for the current flow. On the other hand, the components get arranged parallel to one another. Let’s study the types of combinations and their uses in detail.
Series Circuit
In a series circuit, the loads will join each other at their endings and the current will have only a single path to flow.
- Let us assume that resistors are connected in series.
- In this case, the determination of total resistance can be just by adding the individual resistances.
- For example, if a circuit has three resistors connected in series, their resistance is R1, R2 and R3.
- Then the total resistance or the effective resistance will be as follows:
R= R1+ R2+ R3
Features of Series Combinations
Some of the essential characteristics of connection in series are as follows:
- The same current with different voltage flows throughout the circuit in a series combination.
- The loads or resistors of the series combination experience voltage drop.
- The loads have a standard switch (example: street lights).
Series Capacitor
When capacitors of a circuit are arranged one after another, it is referred to as the series capacitor.
The formula for the series capacitor is as follows:
Thus, the total capacitance of the capacitors, when arranged in series, will be the sum of reciprocals of the individual capacitance of capacitors.
Parallel Combination
If a circuit has resistance or loads arranged parallel to one another, its combination will be the parallel combination. The loads have a common point or junction with others of this type.
Assume a circuit with a parallel combination has three resistances, R1, R2 and R3, respectively. Then the total resistance or the effective resistance will be equal to the sum of reciprocals of each resistance.
1/R= 1/R1+ 1/R2+ 1/R3
Features of Parallel Combinations
Some of the essential characteristics of connection in parallel are as follows:
- Unlike the series combination, parallel combinations have the same voltage throughout the circuit.
- All the resistors of the circuit will possess their current.
- Switching on and off of one appliance does not affect the others.
Parallel Plate Capacitor
A parallel plate capacitor comprises two metal plates arranged in a parallel manner at some distance from one another. This distance includes any dielectric medium (an insulating medium that cannot conduct electric current). Some examples of this dielectric medium include air, vacuum, mica, paper wool, electrolytic gel, glass etc.
Suppose a parallel-plate capacitor comprising two metallic plates has an area of A. Moreover, the distance separating these two plates is d. The formula for a parallel plate capacitor will be as follows:
Solved Questions on Two Frequently Used Methods of Combination
Q 1- A circuit has three resistance arranged in series. These are 6, 14 and 24 ohms, respectively. Determine the total resistance or the equivalent resistance of this system.
Solution:
If the combination is in series, then the total resistance will be the sum of individual resistance.
Using the formula,
R= R1+ R2+ R3
R= 6+ 14+ 24
R= 44 ohm.
Answer: The total resistance or the equivalent resistance of this system is 44 ohm.
Q 2- A circuit has three resistance arranged in parallel. These are 2, 3 and 6 ohms, respectively. Determine the total resistance or the equivalent resistance of this system.
Solution:
If the circuit is in a parallel connection, then the total resistance or the effective resistance will equal the sum of reciprocals of each resistance.
1/R= 1/R1+ 1/R2+ 1/R3
1/R= 1/2+ 1/3+ 1/6
1/R= (3+2+1)/6
1/R = 6/6
R = 1
Answer: The total resistance or the equivalent resistance of this system is 1 ohm.
Conclusion
The two most common combination methods are series and parallel combinations of circuits. In a series circuit, the loads will join each other at their endings and the current will have only a single path to flow. If a circuit has resistance or loads arranged parallel to one another, then its combination will be the parallel combination. Different voltage flows throughout the current in a series combination, whereas the same voltage flows throughout in parallel. Therefore, the parallel combination is the most frequently used method of combination. Unlike the series combination, the appliances of parallel circuits are independent of one another. Therefore switching any device on or off will not affect others.
