Friday, 20 March 2015

Series vs Parallel Circuits

SeriesIn a series circuit, the components are connected one after another. This makes the current be the same across all components and the voltage across the circuit is the sum of the voltages across each component.

     Advantages: Additional power sources can be easily added to gain more power.

     Disadvantages: You are unable to control each component individually. Every component has to be powered even if you only want to use one of them.

     If one of the components fails, all components after it will not be powered. This is commonly seen in Christmas lights.


ParallelIn a Parallel circuit, each of the components are separated from each of the others. This makes the voltage across each component be equal to the voltage across the circuit. The current across the circuit is the sum of the current across each component

     Advantages: Components can be controlled individually.

     If one component fails, all others will still work.

     Disadvantages: Has a higher risk of fire.

     Adding more power sources will not increase the voltage delivered.






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