Series and Parallel

Circuits

Series Circuits
Only one current path

X-mas Lights
When one light goes, the whole
string goes . .
Series circuits need every part to
carry the current

Series Circuits

V = V1 + V 2 + V3 + . . .
I = I1 = I2 = I3 = . . .
Req = R1 + R2 + R3 + . . . .

Calculate: The total Resistance,

Current through each resistor, and
Potential Drop across each resistor
6

9V

8 6

Parallel Circuit
More than one

current path
Unlike series
circuits, each
segment operates
independently.

Parallel Circuits
V = V1
I = I1

= V2 = V3 = . . .

+ I2 + I 3 + . . .

1
1
1
1

...
Req R1 R2 R3

 Calculate: Total
Resistance,
Potential Difference
across each resistor,
and the current
through each
resistor.

9V

Kirchhoffs Laws
First Law Conservation of Charge
(Junction Rule)
The sum entering any current
junction is equal to the sum leaving.

What is the magnitude and

direction of the current in wire X?

1A

2A

5A

1A
2A

X
5A

Kirchhoffs Laws
Second Law Conservation of
Energy (Loop Rule)
The sum of all the potential drops
and applied voltage around a
complete circuit is equal to zero.

VT V1 V2 V3 ...
VT V1 V2 V3 ... Vn 0