Series Circuits

• Circuits in which there is only one path for current to flow through

• All elements of the circuit (resistors, switches etc…) are in the same path – “In Series” with each other.

• The resistance in the circuit is the sum of the resistances in the series.

• Current in the circuit is the same in all parts of the circuit. I = V/R

• Different components use (or “drop”) different voltages based on their resistance. V = IR

• If one element fails (creating an open circuit), no current will flow

Electrical Circuit Symbols

Series Circuit

Parallel Circuits

• Circuits in which there is more than one path for current to flow through.

• Elements of the circuit (resistors, switches etc…) can be in the different “Parallel” paths

• The different Parallel paths can have multiple elements that are in Series with each other.

• The voltage across each parallel path is the same.• Current in the different parallel paths can be different

(with different resistances) or the same. (with equal resistances) I = V/R

• If one element fails (creating an open circuit), no current will flow through that path, but the other paths will be unaffected, maintaining their individual currents.

Parallel Circuit

Combination Circuithttp://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/circuits/u9l4e.html

• In combination circuits, both series and parallel parts exist. The resistance of a parallel section can be represented by a single net resistance in series with the rest of the circuit.