What Is Series And Parallel Circuit With Example

What Is a Series Circuit?

A series circuit is a circuit in which the components are connected in a single loop. This means that the current flows through each component in turn. The total resistance of a series circuit is equal to the sum of the individual resistances of the components.

Series Circuit Diagram

The following diagram shows a simple series circuit consisting of a battery, a resistor, and a light bulb.

In this circuit, the current flows from the battery, through the resistor, and then through the light bulb. The total resistance of the circuit is equal to the sum of the resistances of the resistor and the light bulb.

Series Circuit Properties

The following are some of the properties of a series circuit: * The current is the same at all points in the circuit. * The voltage drop across each component is proportional to the resistance of the component. * The total voltage drop across the circuit is equal to the sum of the voltage drops across the individual components. * The power dissipated by each component is proportional to the square of the current. * The total power dissipated by the circuit is equal to the sum of the power dissipated by the individual components.

Applications of Series Circuits

Series circuits are used in a variety of applications, including: * Power distribution systems * Automobile electrical systems * Electronic circuits

What Is a Parallel Circuit?

A parallel circuit is a circuit in which the components are connected in parallel branches. This means that the current can flow through each branch independently. The total resistance of a parallel circuit is less than the resistance of any of the individual branches.

Parallel Circuit Diagram

The following diagram shows a simple parallel circuit consisting of a battery, two resistors, and a light bulb.

In this circuit, the current can flow through either branch of the circuit. The total resistance of the circuit is equal to the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the resistances of the individual branches.

Parallel Circuit Properties

The following are some of the properties of a parallel circuit: * The current is divided among the branches of the circuit. * The voltage drop across each branch is the same. * The total current in the circuit is equal to the sum of the currents in the individual branches. * The power dissipated by each branch is proportional to the resistance of the branch. * The total power dissipated by the circuit is equal to the sum of the power dissipated by the individual branches.

Applications of Parallel Circuits

Parallel circuits are used in a variety of applications, including: * Electrical distribution systems * Audio amplifiers * Electronic circuits

Comparison of Series and Parallel Circuits

The following table compares the properties of series and parallel circuits: | Property | Series Circuit | Parallel Circuit | |---|---|---| | Current | The same at all points | Divided among the branches | | Voltage drop | Proportional to the resistance | The same across each branch | | Total resistance | The sum of the individual resistances | Less than the resistance of any individual branch | | Total current | The same as the current through any individual branch | The sum of the currents through the individual branches | | Total power | The sum of the power dissipated by the individual components | Proportional to the square of the total current |

Conclusion

Series and parallel circuits are two basic types of electrical circuits. They have different properties and are used in different applications. By understanding the differences between series and parallel circuits, you can better design and troubleshoot electrical circuits.

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