SERIES CIRCUIT PARALLEL CIRCUIT

Pathway for electrons and current Only one path Multiple pathways
Current (I) Always the same through each Current splits-passes through
component pathways and then adds up again

Voltage (V) Shared between resistors/bulbs Voltage across each pathway

equals supply voltage

Resistance Effective resistance increases Effective resistance decreases

when number of when number of
resistors/components increases resistors/components increases

Brightness of bulbs Dimmer Brighter

If one bulb removed/damaged Current cannot flow through the Current can still flow through the
circuit, the remaining bulb will not other path and the other bulbs
light up will still light up (used in houses)
 SERIES CIRCUITS
ADVANTAGES
1. A single switch can control all
electrical appliances
2. A battery that supplies power
can be built from cells connected
in series
3. The current increases if the
number of cells connected in
series increase
DISADVANTAGES
1. If one bulb fuses, other bulbs will
not light up
2. If more bulbs are added, the
bulbs will become dim
3. Voltage is shared equally among
the bulb. If more bulbs are
added, the voltage across each
bulb reduces.
4. Current will reduce if more
electrical components are
connected
 PARALLEL CIRCUITS
ADVANTAGES
1. Current flows through more
than one path. If one bulb
fuses, other bulbs will still light
up
2. Each bulb receives same
voltage-therefore same
brightness
3. Each appliances are controlled
individually
DISADVANTAGES
1. Each electrical appliance is
controlled by its own switch. It
is not suitable for places like
large halls
2. Too many
resistors/components are
connected, and large current is
flowing in the main branch of
the circuit. This is dangerous
as this may result in fire.
 SERIES CIRCUITS
A. Bulbs in series: CURRENT
B. Bulbs in series: VOLTAGE

I1 = I 2 = I 3

V = V1+V2+V3

C. Cells in series: VOLTAGE

D. Resistors in series: RESISTANCE

V= V1 + V2 + V3
R= R1 +R2 + R3
 PARALLEL CIRCUITS
A. Bulbs in parallel: CURRENT B. Bulbs in parallel: VOLTAGE

I= I1+I2+I3
I I1
V=V1= V2 = V3
I2

I3
V1

C. Cells in parallel: VOLTAGE

V1 D. Resistors in parallel: RESISTANCE V2
V1= V2 = V3 R1

R2 V3
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= + +
R3 𝐑 𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟐 𝐑𝟑
V2

V3
 RESISTANCE
• Series circuit • Parallel circuit
R1

R2 R1= 2 Ω
R2 = 3 Ω
R1= 2 Ω R3 = 4 Ω
R3
R2 = 3 Ω
R3 = 4 Ω

R= R1 +R2 + R3 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= + +
𝐑 𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟐 𝐑𝟑
R = 2+3+4 = 9 Ω 1 1 1 1 13
= + + =
𝑅 2 3 4 12
R = 12/13 = 0.92 Ω