Topic 3: Basic DC circuit

Series Circuit

A series circuit is one that has only one current path.

Series circuit rule for current:

Because there is only one path, the current everywhere is the same.

Series Resistors

Two resistors are in series if same current I flows in both of them.

R1 R2
a 1k 2k b
Rab = Req = R1 + R2

For N resistors in series:

Req = R1 + R2 + R3 +…..+ RN
The total resistance of resistors in series is the sum of the individual resistors.
For example, the resistors in a series circuit are 680 Ω, 1.5 kΩ, and 2.2 kΩ.
What is the total resistance?

Continuing with the previous example, complete the parameters listed in the
Table.
1
Voltage sources in series
Voltage sources in series add algebraically. What is the total
voltage
What is the total voltage if one battery is reversed?

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law

The sum of all the voltage drops around a single closed path in a circuit is equal
to the total source voltage in that closed path. In other words, the sum of all the
voltages, as you go around a circuit from some fixed point and return there from
the opposite direction, and taking polarity into account, is always zero.
Example
Write the KVL for the circuit below.

2
Example
1. Find out voltage V1 and V2

2. Find V1 and V2

3. Find Vx and Vo

3
Series Resistor and Voltage Divider Rule
The voltage drop across any given resistor in a series circuit is equal to the ratio
of that resistor to the total resistance, multiplied by source voltage.

R1
V 1= Vs
R 1+R 2
R2
V 2= Vs
R 1+R 2

2. What is the voltage across R2?

The source voltage will be divided among the resistors in direct proportion to their
resistance.
Larger resistance -> larger voltage drop
Smaller resistance -> smaller voltage drop
Voltage dividers can be set up for a variable output using a potentiometer. In the
circuit shown, the output voltage is variable.
Example
What is the largest output voltage available?

Power in Series Circuits

4
Example
Use the voltage divider rule to find V1 and V2. Then find the power in R1 and R2
and PT.

Circuit Ground
The term “ground” typically means a common or reference point in the circuit.
Voltages that are given with respect to ground are shown with a single subscript.
For example, VA means the voltage at point A with respect to ground. VB means
the voltage at point B with respect to ground. VAB means the voltage between
points A and B.

Example
What are VA, VB, and VAB for the circuit shown?

Parallel Resistors and Current Division

Resistors that are connected to the same two points are said to be in parallel.
5
A parallel circuit is identified by the
fact that it has more than one current path (branch) connected to a common
voltage source.

Parallel circuit rule for voltage

Because all components are connected across the same voltage source, the
voltage across each is the same. For example, the source voltage is 5.0 V. What
will a voltmeter read if it is placed across each of the resistors?

Parallel circuit rule for resistance

The total resistance of resistors in parallel is the reciprocal of the sum of the
reciprocals of the individual resistors. Req is the effective resistance seen by the
source.

1 1 1
= +
Re q R 1 R 2

6
Example
a. The resistors in a parallel circuit are 680 Ω, 1.5 kΩ, and 2.2 kΩ. What is the
total resistance?

b. Find the resistance, Rab seen by the source.

a R1 R2
6 3
b

c. Find the total resistance seen by the source and the current flowing out of the
source.
I
->
a +
Vs1 R1 R2 R3 R4
10V 6 3 4 25
b -

Special case for resistance of two parallel resistors

1
RT 
1 1

R1 R2

Pr oduct
RT =
Sum
R R
= 1 2
R1 +R 2

What is the total resistance if R1 = 27 kΩ and R2 = 56 kΩ?

7
Current Division in Parallel Circuits
Current in branch x
RT
I x= × Ix
Rx

RT = Req is the equivalent resistance of the parallel resistors

Rx = Resistance in the branch concerned
I = incoming current

Example
1. If I is 3A find current in the 3 resistor.

a R2 Ix
R1
6 3
b Rx

Kirchhoff’s current law

The sum of the currents entering a node is equal to the sum of the currents
leaving the node.
Example
Write the KCL equation at node Z

Series Parallel resistors

It is common to find series and parallel resistors ( combination circuit) in a
network. Important to be able to identify which resistors are in series or parallel.
8
There are also cases where the resistors are neither series nor parallel. In order
to find the total resistance of the network, the series parallel reduction method is
used.
Example
1. Find Req in circuit below.

2. Find Rab

3. Find v1, v2, i1,i2 and the power dissipated in the 12 and 40 ohm resistors.
Check the answers using KVL and KCL.