Series and Parallel Circuits

Circuits Can either be series or parallel.

Series Current only takes one path for electrons Current flows through every part of the circuit

Lights in a Series

Adding Resistors to Series: Current in the circuit will go DOWN (lights will dim) If you remove a light bulb or one burns out—all go out!

Parallel Circuits More than one path for current to flow

Removing a Light Bulb If you remove a light bulb or one burns out, the others stay on

Lights in Parallel

Voltage in Parallel Voltage is the same across each branch – because each branch is on the same wire

Batteries in Series and Parallel:

In series—The voltage is increased. In parallel—No change in voltage; these batteries will last longer!

One More FINAL Thing: Two Types of Current: DC—Direct Current—produced by solar cells and chemical cells (batteries) Current only flows in one direction.

2nd type of current: AC—Alternating Current Current flows back and forth (alternates) Found in homes Generators produce AC current