Series and Parallel Circuits

Series Circuits

In a series circuit, components are arranged end-to-end in a single loop.
This setup results in the same current flowing through all the components.
The total resistance (R total) in a series circuit is the sum of the resistances of each component.
If one component fails in a series circuit, it breaks the entire circuit and all components stop working.

In a parallel circuit, components are arranged across separate branches, each one providing a separate path for the current to flow.
The voltages across each component are the same.
The sum of the currents flowing through each branch equals the total current supplied by the source.
The total resistance (R total) in a parallel circuit decreases as more components are added.
If one component fails in a parallel circuit, the circuit remains operational. The current simply bypasses the faulty component and continues to flow through the rest of the circuit.

Current remains constant in a series circuit, while it splits between branches in a parallel circuit.
The voltage divides among components in series, while it remains constant across each branch in a parallel circuit.
Adding components to a series circuit increases its resistance, but in a parallel circuit, it causes the total resistance to decrease.
Series circuits are good for installations where a uniform current is required, but parallel circuits are used for independent operation of components.

To work out the total resistance in a series circuit, add all the resistances together.
To calculate the total resistance in a parallel circuit, use the formula 1/RTotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3…and so forth.
The total power supplied in a circuit is equal to the sum of the power consumed by all individual components. Calculate this using the formula P = I x V where P is power, I is current and V is voltage.
Use Ohm’s law, V = I x R, to calculate values of current, voltage, and resistance in both series and parallel circuits.