Series and Parallel Circuit
What is a circuit? Any path that electrons can flow through.
Series Circuit All devices are connected in a single pathway for electrons to flow. If the path is disrupted, the current stops.
Properties of a Series Circuit The current is the same through out a series circuit. The total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of all of the resistances along the circuit.
Properties of a Series Circuit The voltage across each device follows Ohm’s Law. The total voltage is equal to the sum of the voltage across each device.
Parallel circuits Devices are split into different branches which give multiple paths for electrons to flow. If one branch is disrupted, the others still work.
Properties of Parallel Circuits The voltage is the same throughout the branches. The current in each branch is inversely proportional to the resistance of the branch. Current = 1÷resistance
Properties of Parallel Circuits The total current is equal to the current of all of the branches. Resistance is decreased with each branch added.