1. 13.7 Factors Affecting Series Circuits

2. Ohm’s Law
Ohm's law: the relationship between resistance, current, and potential difference:
Ohm’s Law can be described in a formula:
V = IR
In Summary:
As resistance (R) increases, the current (I) decreases
As resistance (R) decreases, the current (I) increases
As voltage increases (V), the current (I) increases
Where V = voltage (V)
I = current (A)
R = resistance (Ω)

3. Factors Affecting Resistance in a Series Circuit
Factors that can increase the total amount of resistance in a series circuit include
Connecting more loads in series rather than parallel
Making the conductor longer
Making the conductor thinner
Using a material with a higher resistance

4. Factors Affecting Resistance in a Series Circuit
Factors that can decrease the total amount of resistance in a series circuit include
Connecting more loads in parallel rather than series
Making the conductor shorter
Making the conductor thicker
Using a material with a lower resistance

5. Test your Knowledge!
In circuit A, three light bulbs are connected in parallel. In circuit B, three light bulbs are connected in series. Which light bulbs will light up dimmer? Why?
Solution: The Answer is in SERIES!!
In series, the current goes through all 3 light bulbs which adds resistance (from the bulb) 3x in a row.
In parallel, the current branches off and goes through each light bulb individually, so there is only the resistance of 1 light bulb.

6. Materials with Low Resistance
The electronic systems in satellites or planetary rovers can generate only a certain amount of electrical energy
These systems must reduce resistance as much as possible because it wastes energy
Metals such as: silver, platinum and rhodium have very low internal resistance for conductors

7. Changing Electrical Voltage (Potential Difference)
Changing the voltage between two points will also change the amount of current between two points
Increasing voltage (potential difference) increases electric current.
We can increase voltage in a electrical circuit by adding more energy sources (i.e. batteries) in series
VS.