Series vs Parallel Flashcards
What is Series?
All components arranged in ONE loop
Only ONE path for electrons to take!
If the circuit is broken, none of the loads will work
Voltage in Series?
VT = total voltage
Difference in amount of “push” leaving vs returning to the source
VT= V1+ V2 + V3 etc.
Sum of each load’s voltage
the “push” is used up over the course of the circuit
Example of Voltage in Series
VT= V1+ V2 + V3
VT= 2 + 4 + 1
VT= 7 volts
Example 2 of Voltage in Series?
VT= V1+ V2 + V3
6 = 1 + 3 + V3
6 - 1 - 3 = V3
V3 = 2 volts
Current in Series
The current is the SAME EVERYWHERE in series
Same amount of electrons passing through each region at any given time
IT = I1= I2 = I3 etc.
Example of Current in Series
IT = I1= I2 = I3
IT = I1= I2 = 3
IT = 3 amps
What are Parallel Circuits?
Components arranged in MULTIPLE loops
MANY paths for electrons to take!
If one load removed, circuit may not be broken.
Voltage in Parallel
VT = total voltage
Difference in amount of “push” leaving vs returning to the source
VT= V1= V2 = V3 etc.
Multiple pathways means the “push” is the same throughout EACH pathway
Example of Voltage in Parallel
VT= V1= V2 = V3
VT= V1= V2 = 5
VT= 5
Current in Parallel
Multiple pathways means the electrons need to split up and choose a direction
Different amount of electrons passing through each BRANCH at any given time
IT = I1+ I2 + I3 etc.
Total current = sum of each branches’ current
Example of Current Parallel
IT = I1+ I2 + I3 etc
IT = 2 + 2 + 2
IT = 6
Summary of Series vs Parallel Circuits
Electrons need a complete circuit to flow around and transfer energy to components.
The components can be connected in 1 path called a series circuit.
The components can also be attached in many paths called a parallel circuit.
What will happen if a circuit is broken, the current will stop flowing?
In a series circuit if 1 bulb goes out, the circuit is broken so they all go out!
In a parallel circuit if 1 bulb goes out, the circuit is NOT broken since current still flows to the other paths
What will happen if a circuit is broken, the current will stop flowing?
If a switch is wired in series it can only complete/break the flow of e- to EVERYTHING at once (ALL on or ALL off)
If a switch is wired in parallel it can complete/break the flow of e- to components on 1 path without affecting the others
(each is controlled separately)
Series vs Parallel (Voltage)
Series - total voltage from the energy source is divided between all loads
VT= V1+V2+V3
Parallel - voltage is the same everywhere (same voltage as energy source)
VT=V1=V2=V3
Series vs Parallel (Current)
Series - current is the same everywhere
IT=I1=I2=I3
Parallel - current leaves energy source and splits/rejoins at junctions between paths
IT=I1+I2+I3
