Lecture 5
Basic Electronics
Introduction to Series Circuits
• What do you think happens to the current when
components are connected in a single path?
What is a Series Circuit?
• A series circuit is one where components are connected
end-to-end, forming a single path for current flow.
• Current is the same through all components.
• The total resistance is the sum of individual resistances
• R(t) = R1+ R2+…+Rn
• Voltage drop occurs after each resistor
• V(s) = V1+V2+…+Vn
Current in Series
• In a series circuit, the current is the same throughout
all components
• This means the same amount of current flows through every
resistor, light bulb, or other components connected in series
• The current is determined by the total resistance in the circuit
and the applied voltage, using Ohm's Law.
Resistors in Series
• In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the
individual resistances.
• R(total) = R1+R2+⋯+Rn
Cont.
• Each resistor in series restricts the flow of current.
• When you add more resistors in series, the total
resistance to current flow increases, which reduces the
overall current in the circuit.
• More resistance means the total opposition to current flow
increases, leading to a smaller current (if the voltage is
constant).
Practice
• You have a series circuit with a voltage source of V =12V,
R1=10 ohms and R2 = 15 ohms. Later, you incorporate a
third resistor R3 = 30 ohms.
• Calculate the current I before and after the addition of
third resistor.
Applications of Resistors in
Series
• Voltage Division: In series circuits, resistors divide the
total voltage across them in proportion to their resistance
values.
• Safety: Fuses and resistors are used in series to limit the
amount of current that flows through sensitive
components.
Voltage in Series Circuits
• In a series circuit, the total voltage is divided among
the resistors.
• The voltage drop across each resistor depends on its
resistance value.
• Formula for voltage drop across a resistor R(i) in a series
circuit is:
How is Voltage Divided?
• The voltage is divided proportionally to the resistance of
each component.
• Larger resistors cause a larger voltage drop.
Voltage Division
• The sum of all the individual voltage drops across the
resistors in series is equal to the total voltage:
• This principle is called Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL).
Example
Practice
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
• The algebraic sum of all voltages around a closed loop or
circuit is zero
• ∑V=0
• This law reflects the conservation of energy, where the
total voltage supplied by the power source is equal to the
sum of the voltage drops across the components in the
loop.
• Energy gained = energy lost
Calculating I with Multiple Rs
Calculating V with Multiple Rs
Voltage Divider
• A Voltage Divider is a simple circuit configuration used
to create a fraction of the total voltage across resistors
connected in series.
• The voltage divider formula helps calculate the voltage
drop across any resistor in a series circuit.
Example
Power in Series Circuit
• Power is the rate at which energy is converted into heat
or work by a resistor.
• The power dissipated across each resistor can be
calculated using this formula keeping I same throughout
the circuit.
• The total power in the circuit is the sum of the power
dissipated across each resistor:
Example
Power Rating
Power Rating
Power Dissipation in Real-World
Applications
• Power dissipation in resistors is an important
consideration in designing circuits, especially when
components generate heat.
• Heaters: Devices like electric heaters use resistors to
convert electrical energy into heat.
• Fuses: A fuse in a series circuit can dissipate power (and
eventually blow) when the current exceeds a certain limit.
Conclusion
• Resistors in Series: The current is the same throughout
the circuit, but the voltage drop across each resistor
depends on its resistance.
• Voltage Divider: The voltage across each resistor in a
series circuit is proportional to its resistance. The voltage
divider formula is essential for calculating voltage drops
in these circuits.
• Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL): The total voltage around a
closed loop is equal to the sum of the individual voltage
drops. This ensures energy conservation in a circuit.