Topic: Electric Circuits Week 5

Learning Sheet 2
I. OBJECTIVE
At the end of the lesson, the learners CAN……
1. Draw circuit diagrams with power sources (cell or battery), switches, lamps, resistors
(fixed and variable) fuses, ammeters and voltmeters
2. Evaluate the equivalent resistance, current, and voltage in a given network of resistors
connected in series and/or parallel
II. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
1.1. Summary of the Essential concept
A resistor is an electronic component used to provide a specific amount of resistance. Generally, it can be
considered as a load because loads provide resistance to current flow.
The components of a circuit may be connected in series or in parallel. Take a look at the differences
between these two basic types of connections.

The Series Circuit

In a series circuit, all components are connected using a sing pathway. In other words, a series circuit is
characterized by a single loop for current to flow. The current is the same for all the components along this
circuit. The total voltage is the sum of the individual voltages across the circuit, and the total resistance of the
circuit is the sum of the individual resistances of each circuit load. However, the PD of the voltage for each
individual circuit components is not the same as the total voltage. These relationships are summarized by the
following formulas:

V total = V 1 + V 2 + V 3 … + V n
I total = I 1 = I 2 = I 3 … = I n
Rtotal = R1 + R2 + R3 … + Rn

Example
1. Compute the individual values and the total values of the voltage, the current, and the resistance of the
series circuit here.

Solution:
The total resistance in the circuit is computed as follows:

Rtotal = 6 Ω + 3 Ω = 9 Ω

Because the total voltage is 20 V, you can compute the total current as follows:

V total 20V
I total = = = 2.22 A
Rtotal 9Ω

Because the type of connection is a series circuit, I 1 is 2.22 and I 2 is also 2.22 A. from these values, you have

V 1 = (2.22 A) (6 Ω) = 13.32 V

V 2 = (2.22 A) (3 Ω) = 6.66 V

V total = 13.32 V + 6.66 V = 19.98 V or 20 V

The Parallel Circuit

 Parallel circuits use branches to allow current to pass through more than one path, unlike in the series
circuit. The voltage between two points in the circuit does not depend on the path taken; thus, the individual
voltages in a parallel circuit are the same as the total voltage. However, unlike in the series circuit, the current
in each load is not the same as the total current in the circuit. The total current is the sum of the individual
currents across the resistors. The reciprocal of the total resistance in this type of circuit is equal to the sum of
the reciprocals of the individual resistances., always remember that the total resistance is always less than the
individual resistances. Here are the following formulas for a parallel circuit:

V total = V 1 = V 2 = V 3 … = V n
I total = I 1 + I 2 + I 3 … + I n
1 1 1 1 1
= + + …+
R total R1 R 2 R3 Rn

Example:
2. Compute the individual values and the total values of the voltage, the current and the resistance of the
parallel circuit here.

Solution:
The total resistance of the circuit is computed as follows:

1 1 1 3
= + = Ω
R total 2Ω 4 Ω 4

1 4
= Ω = 1.33 Ω
R total 3

Because the total voltage is 15 V and the resistors are connected in parallel, then V 1 is 15 V and V 2 is also 15
V. then, we have

15V
I1 = = 7.5 A
2Ω

15V
I2 = = 3.75 A
4Ω

Finally, you can compute the total current as follows:

V total 15V
I total = = = 11.28 A
Rtotal 1.33Ω

1.2. Testing of Knowledge

Solve the following problems. Show schematic solutions for each.
1. Compute the individual values and the total values of the voltage, the current, and the resistance of
the series circuit.
 2. Compute the individual values and the total values of the voltage, the current, and the resistance of
the circuit.

1.3. Knowledge Scanning

What is the importance of using diagrams in representing electric circuits?

1.4. Integration of Learning

What Skills have you learned from this lesson?

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 III. SELF-DETERMINING PRACTICE
Solve the following problems. Show schematic solutions for each.
1. Draw a series circuit connecting a battery and four resistors with a total resistance of 15 Ω. The total
current in the circuit should be 4 A.

2. Draw a parallel circuit that connects a battery and four resistors in four branches with a total
3
resistance of Ω. The total current in the circuit should be 4 A.
5

IV. REFLECTION
Schematic diagram provides an easier way of representing simple and even complicated circuits.
Similarly, how do you work on a big and complicated project? Do you come up with a plan first?
Explain.

Reference:
Arevalo, R.L (2017). General Physics 2. Makati City: Diwa Senior High School Series
Arevalo, R.L (2016). General Physics 2. Quezon City: Exploring Life through Science Series
Prepared By: Jerry G. Tubongbanua