Electric Circuit Types Series and Parallel Circuits

Series Circuit Individual resistances (loads) are arranged one after another, in a chain. R total = R 1 + R 2 + R 3 + … + R n If one load is taken away, the loop is broken and the circuit is open (no current flows) The current is the same through each load. I total = I 1 = I 2 = I 3 = … The voltage drop across each resistor is part of the total voltage drop. V total = V 1 + V 2 + V 3 +… + V n

Example Problem #1 In the circuit to the right, the battery provides a potential difference of 12.0 V. R 1 = 8.00 Ω, R 2 = 4.00 Ω, and R 3 = 2.00 Ω. Find: R total, I total, V 1, V 2, and V 3. R1R1 R3R3 R2R2

Parallel Circuit I total = I 1 + I 2 + I 3 + … + I n

Example Problem #2 In the circuit to the right, the battery provides a potential difference of 12.0 V. R 1 = 8.00 Ω, R 2 = 4.00 Ω, and R 3 = 2.00 Ω. Find: R total, I total, I 1, I 2, and I 3