Series vs Parallel Circuits Both with a 12

Series vs Parallel Circuits

Both with a 12 V battery and 3 lights with 5 ohms of resistance Series Parallel

Voltage in Circuits • In a series circuit, voltage is shared throughout the circuit. VT = V 1 + V 2 + V 3 + … + V n • In a parallel circuit, voltage is the same everywhere in the circuit. VT = V 1 = V 2 = V 3 … = V n

Series Parallel

Current in Circuits • In a series circuit, current is the same everywhere. This is because there is only one path for the electricity to flow through. IT = I 1 = I 2 = I 3=…= In • In a parallel circuit, the current that leaves the battery is divided by each path, with paths that have less resistance having more current. IT = I 1 + I 2 + I 3+…+ In

Resistance in Circuits • In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of all of the resistances added together. RT = R 1 + R 2 + R 3 + … + R n • In a parallel circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the reciprocals of the resistance. 1/RT = 1/R 1 + 1/R 2 + 1/R 3 + … 1/Rn (Careful when solving for this. Remember, you are solving for RT , not 1/RT)

Summary of Formulas Series Circuit Parallel Circuit Voltage VT = V 1 + V 2 + V 3 + … + V n VT = V 1 = V 2 = V 3 = … = V n Current IT = I 1 = I 2 = I 3=…= In IT = I 1 + I 2 + I 3+…+ In Resistance RT = R 1 + R 2 + R 3 + … + Rn 1/RT = 1/R 1 + 1/R 2 + 1/R 3 + … 1/Rn

Sample Question – Series Circuit

Sample Question – Parallel Circuit Calculate R 3 and the current through the 12 ohm resistor 2 A

Practice problems are posted on the website!