SERIES CIRCUIT

What is an Electric Circuit?

An electric circuit is a closed path where
electric current flows. It allows electricity to
move
from a power source (such as a battery),
through wires and electrical components, and
back to
the source.
A circuit must be complete or “closed”
for electricity to flow. If the circuit is broken, no
current can pass through.
Series Circuit
A series circuit is a type of electric circuit
in which components are connected one after
another, forming a single path for the flow of
electric current.
In a series circuit, the current has only
one path to follow. This means all components
share A series circuit can be represented using
the same current. symbols instead of actual components.
If one component breaks or is removed, Simple representation:
the entire circuit stops working because the
flow of This shows that all components are connected
electricity is interrupted. in a single line.
Characteristics of a Series Circuit Electric Current in a Series Circuit
1. There is only one path for electric current. Electric current is the flow of electric charge. In
2. The current is the same in all parts of the a series circuit, the current is the same at every
circuit. point in the circuit.
3. The voltage is divided among the I = I1 = I2 = I3
components. This means that every component receives the
4. The total resistance is equal to the sum of all same amount of current.
individual resistances. Voltage in a Series Circuit
5. If one component fails, the whole circuit Voltage is the electrical energy supplied to
stops working. move charges. In a series circuit, voltage is
Parts of a Series Circuit divided
• Battery or Cell – provides electrical energy among all components.
• Wire – conducts electric current Vtotal = V1 + V2 + V3
• Load (e.g., bulb, resistor) – uses electrical Each component uses a portion of the total
energy voltage.
• Switch – controls the flow of electricity Resistance in a Series Circuit
Schematic Representation of a Series Resistance is the opposition to the flow of
Circuit electric current. In a series circuit, total
resistance
increases as more components are added.
Rtotal = R1 + R2 + R3
More components mean greater resistance and
less current flow.
Ohm’s Law
Ohm’s Law explains the relationship between
voltage, current, and resistance.
V=I×R
Where:
• V = Voltage (volts)
• I = Current (amperes)
• R = Resistance (ohms)
This law is used to calculate unknown values in
electric circuits.
Relationship of Variables in Series Circuit
• Current remains constant throughout the
circuit
• Voltage is divided among components
• Resistance is additive (it increases as more Where:
components are added) • (It) = total current
Advantages of Series Circuit • (I1, I2, I3) = current in each branch
• Simple to design and construct 4. Lower Total Resistance
Adding more branches decreases the total
• Requires fewer wires
resistance of the circuit.
• Easy to understand Where:
Disadvantages of Series Circuit • (Rt) = total resistance
• If one component fails, the whole circuit stops • (R3, R2, R3) = resistances in each branch
working Behavior of Voltage in a Parallel Circuit
• Devices cannot be controlled independently In a parallel circuit, every branch receives the same
• Not suitable for home electrical systems amount of voltage from the source.
Real-Life Applications of Series Circuit For example:
• Flashlights (old type) If the battery provides 9 volts, then each branch
• Christmas lights (older designs) also receives 9 volts.
This means:
• Simple battery-operated toys
• Appliances connected in parallel work
• Some safety devices independently.
Summary • Each device receives enough electrical energy to
A series circuit is a simple electrical circuit function properly.
where components are connected in a single
path. The current remains constant, voltage is Behavior of Current in a Parallel Circuit
divided, and resistance increases as more The electric current splits when it reaches different
components are added. Understanding series branches.
circuits helps in learning basic electricity and Branches with lower resistance allow more current
applying Ohm’s Law in real-life situations. to flow, while branches with higher resistance
allow less current.
The total current in the circuit is the sum of all
branch currents.
PARALLEL CIRCUIT
Example:
If:
Introduction
• Branch 1 current = 2 A
Electricity plays an important role in our daily
• Branch 2 current = 3 A
lives. It allows appliances, gadgets, and lights to
Then: I_t=2A+3A=5A
work properly. Inside homes, schools, and buildings,
Resistance in a Parallel Circuit
electrical devices are usually connected using a
In a parallel circuit, adding more resistors decreases
parallel circuit because it is more practical and
the total resistance.
efficient.
This happens because additional branches provide
In this lesson, you will learn how a parallel
more paths for current to flow.
circuit works, how voltage and current behave in the
The formula for total
circuit, and how Ohm’s Law can be applied in
resistance is:
solving problems involving parallel circuits.
What is a Parallel Circuit?
Ohm’s Law in
A parallel circuit is a type of electrical circuit where
Parallel Circuit
components are connected through
Ohm’s Law explains the relationship between
separate branches. Each branch provides another
voltage, current, and resistance.
path for electric current to flow.
Where:
In a parallel circuit:
• (V) = voltage
• Components are connected across the same
• (I) = current
voltage source.
• (R) = resistance
• Current has multiple paths to travel.
Using Ohm’s Law, you can solve for:
• If one component stops working, the other
• Voltage
components can still operate.
• Current
This is why parallel circuits are commonly used in
• Resistance
household wiring systems.
Characteristics of a Parallel Circuit
A parallel circuit has the following characteristics:
1. Multiple Paths for Current
Electric current can flow through different branches
of the circuit.
2. Same Voltage Across Branches
The voltage across each branch is equal to the
source voltage.
Vt=V1=V2=V3
Where:
• (Vt) = total voltage
• (V1, V2, V3) = voltages in each branch
3. Current Divides Among Branches
The total current is divided among the branches.
It=I1+I2+I3
Advantages of Parallel Circuit
1. Appliances work independently.
2. If one bulb fails, other bulbs continue working.
3. Each component receives equal voltage.
4. Convenient for household wiring.
Limitations of Parallel Circuit
1. Requires more wires.
2. More expensive to install.
3. Can draw large amounts of current if many
appliances are connected.
Applications of Parallel Circuit
Parallel circuits are commonly used in:
• Household electrical wiring
• Classroom electrical systems
• Street lights
• Car electrical systems
• Appliances and gadgets
Summary
A parallel circuit is a circuit where components are
connected in separate branches.
Voltage remains equal across all branches while
current divides among them. The total current is
the sum of branch currents, and total resistance
decreases as more branches are added. Parallel
circuits are practical because devices can work
independently, making them ideal for homes
and buildings.