13.10 – How series and Parallel Circuits Differ

Loads in Series Current  A series circuit with one load will have a different total resistance than the same circuit with two loads  The greater the number of loads the greater the resistance to the flow of electrons through the circuit (therefore less current) See figure 1 and practice problem #1 on p. 571

Loads in Series Voltage (Potential Difference)  If you connected 3 bulbs in series they would not be as bright as if there were only 1 or 2bulbs in the circuit  This is because the battery can only provide so much potential difference to each electron that leaves the source. The energy is then distributed across all loads in the circuit See sample problem #2 on p 572

Loads in Parallel Current  The current from the source will divide to the different “paths” leading to the various loads.  Like a river dividing, the current flowing to any load is less than the current leaving the source.  The equation for calculating this current can be found on p. 573  See sample Problem #3 on p. 573

Loads in Parallel Voltage  Each electron leaving the source has the same amount of potential energy. Because the electrons move through different paths to only one load, they are able to deliver all of their potential energy to that one load  Therefore, all loads in a parallel circuit receive the same amount of voltage  See sample problem #4

Homework Copy table #1 on p. 574 as a summary P. 575 #s 2-6