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Characteristics of Series & Parallel Circuits. Series Circuit:. One path from the source & back If 1 device burns out, the circuit breaks & everything shuts off. The current is the same through out the circuit. I T = I 1 =I 2
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Series Circuit: One path from the source & back If 1 device burns out, the circuit breaks & everything shuts off. The current is the same through out the circuit. IT= I1=I2 The more loads you add in series, the lower the current becomes I=(as R increases; I decreases)
Series Circuit: The potential difference is divided up among all parts of the circuit. VT= V1+V2 The resistance is added together RT= R1+R2 Examples: Christmas tree lights (the frustrating old incandescent type!)
Parallel Circuit: More than one path from the source and back. If one device goes out, the rest are unaffected. Current is the sum of the currents from all paths. IT= I1+I2 The potential difference is the same across the source and all loads. VT=V1=V2 You can add more loads in parallel without affecting the operation of the others.
Parallel Circuit: Resistances are not added together because the electrons can go down separate paths. = + Examples: The plugs in your home. Why did the lights go out? Because they liked each other.
Batteries Connected in Series • Doubles the voltage • Maintaining the same capacity rating (amp hours). Batteries Connected inParallel • Doubling the capacity (amp hours) of the battery • Maintaining the voltage of the individual batteries.
