Series and Parallel Circuits

A basic circuit that permits electrons to travel between one or more resistors is known as a series circuit. A resistor is anything that draws electricity from a cell (battery). The resistor in a series circuit is commonly a bulb. The circuit is connected to the cell from one end to the other to light the bulb, with no branches.

On the other hand, the essential concept of a “parallel” connection is that all components are linked across each other’s leads. No matter how many components are linked in a purely parallel circuit, there are never more than two pairs of electrically common points. There are numerous current flow pathways, but only one voltage exists across all components.

Series circuit

A series circuit is a circuit in which many resistances are linked one after the other. An end-to-end or cascade connection is another name for this type of connection. The flow of current in a series circuit follows a single path.

Properties of Series Circuit

The properties of series circuit are given as:

Every resistance carries the same type of current. The summation of the individual voltage dips (or sags) across the resistances is the supply voltage (V).

 V=V1+ V2+ V3+  V4+…+VN

The total sum of the individual electrical resistances are equal  to the equivalent electrical resistance. Individual resistances are all equal, but the equivalent resistance is the biggest.

Parallel Circuit

A parallel circuit is one in which a series of resistances are connected across one another in such a way that one terminal of each resistance is linked to form a junction point and the remaining end is also linked to form another point.

Properties of Parallel Circuit

A same voltage difference is carried across all resistances in a parallel circuit. The total current is dispersed into the number of routes equal to the number of parallel resistances in this form of circuit. The total sum of all individual currents is always equal to the aggregate current.

 I=I1+ I2+I3+…+IN

The equivalent resistance of a parallel circuit is equal to the total of the reciprocals of the individual resistances. The least of all the resistances is the comparable resistance.

By multiplying the single conductance by the equivalent conductance, the equivalent conductance is found.

Application of series circuit

Switches connected to the live wire are found on all mains-powered appliances (the wire that carries current into the appliance). When a switch is connected to a device in series, it controls the device and allows us to turn it on and off.

For instance , many lawnmowers have two switches connected in series, requiring both to be pushed before the mower will kick on.

Series circuits have a variety of uses, including :Low-power circuits involve series resistive circuits.

Voltage divider circuits make use of series circuits.

Advantages of Series Circuit

The circuit is simple to design and construct.

When a component fails, the current flow is interrupted.

It functions as a current limiter.

A Series Circuit is less expensive to construct than a Parallel Circuit.

Application of parallel circuit

Parallel Circuits are used to connect the electrical wire to the power outlets in every home.

Parallel Circuits are used in the automotive sector for dc power supplies.

Parallel Circuits are used to construct the computer hardware.

Advantages of Parallel Circuit

Each component in the circuit receives an equal amount of voltage.

Even when more components (resistors) are added or removed from the circuit, the current does not change.

how to add series and parallel circuits?

If two components share a similar node and the same current passes through them, they are in series. Here’s a circuit with three series resistors as  given:

In the circuit above, the current can only flow in one direction. Current flow will initially encounter R1 as it leaves the positive terminal of the battery. The current will then go straight to R2, then R3, and eventually back to the battery’s negative terminal. It’s worth noting that there is only one course to go. These parts are connected in a series.

Parallel Circuits

Components that contain two common nodes are said to be parallel. Here’s an example of a three-resistor parallel circuit using a battery:

Current that is passes from the positive battery connection to R1, R2 and R3. The battery is connected to R1 via a node that is also connected to the other resistors. The other ends of these resistors are also linked together before being connected to the battery’s negative wire. The corresponding resistors are said to be in parallel because current can follow three different pathways before returning to the battery.

Parallel components all have the same voltage drop across them, whereas series components all have equal currents flowing through them.series:current:parallel:voltage.

Conclusion

A basic circuit that permits electrons to travel between one or more resistors is known as a series circuit. A parallel circuit is one in which a series of resistances are connected across one another in such a way that one terminal of each resistance is linked to form a junction point and the remaining end is also linked to form another point. A same voltage difference is carried across all resistances in a parallel circuit. Every resistance carries the same type of current in series circuit. Each component in the circuit receives an equal amount of voltage in the parallel circuit.