Series and Parallel Circuits
Series Circuits Only one current path
X-mas Lights When one light goes, the whole string goes . . Series circuits need every part to carry the current
Series Circuits V = V1 + V2 + V3 + . . . I = I1 = I2 = I3 = . . . Req = R1 + R2 + R3 + . . . .
Calculate: The total Resistance, Current through each resistor, and Potential Drop across each resistor 5 Ω 6 Ω 2 Ω 9 V 8 Ω 6Ω
Parallel Circuit More than one current path Unlike series circuits, each segment operates independently.
Parallel Circuits V = V1 = V2 = V3 = . . . I = I1 + I2 + I3 + . . .
Calculate: Total Resistance, Potential Difference across each resistor, and the current through each resistor. 9 V
Kirchhoff’s Laws First Law – Conservation of Charge (Junction Rule) The sum entering any current junction is equal to the sum leaving.
What is the magnitude and direction of the current in wire X?
Kirchhoff’s Laws Second Law – Conservation of Energy (Loop Rule) The sum of all the potential drops and applied voltage around a complete circuit is equal to zero.