Series circuits

• A series circuit is a simple circuit that allows electrons to pass between one or more resistors. Anything
that draws power from a cell is referred to as a resistor. In a series circuit, the resistor is usually a bulb.
To light up the bulb, the circuit is joined to the cell from one end to the other, with no branches. All
circuit components should be simply connected from one end to the cell and the other end to the bulb;
any gaps or disconnections will cause the circuit to fail.
Advantage:
• We know that the series circuits do not get heated easily. Therefore, any dry or flammable object placed near
the series circuit will not catch the fire in case of overheating of the circuit.
Disadvantage:
• We know that in the series circuit, all the appliances are connected one after another. In case if there is any
fault or break at one of the appliances, the appliances connected after that will be cut off from the supply.
In everyday life, series circuits are common. Some forms of Christmas or holiday lights are examples. A light
switch is another common example. In addition, the principle of a series circuit is used in computers, televisions,
and other domestic electrical devices.
Principles of Series Circuit:
1. Current: The amount of current is the same through any component in a series circuit.
2. Resistance: The total resistance of any series circuit is equal to the sum of the individual resistances.
3. Voltage: The supply voltage in a series circuit is equal to the sum of the individual voltage drops.
 Parallel circuits
• A circuit is called a Parallel Circuit when two or more components are connected to the same node and both the sides of the components are connected
directly to the battery or any other source. The current in a Parallel-Circuit has two or more paths to flow through it.
It comprises branches so that the current divides and only part of it flows through any branch. The voltage, or potential difference, across each branch of
a parallel circuit is the same, but the currents may vary.
The applications of Parallel Circuits include:
• The electrical wiring to the power points in every household is in the form of Parallel Circuits.
• The dc power supply in automobile industry uses Parallel Circuits.
• The computer hardware is designed using Parallel Circuits.
Disadvantage:
• To construct the parallel connection, we need lots of wires.
• We cannot meet the requirement when the exact same amount of current is required to pass through the element.
• In parallel circuits, we cannot increase the voltage since the resistance decreases in the parallel circuit.
Advantage:
• We know that the voltage remains constant in the parallel connection. Therefore, each component in the circuit gets the same amount of voltage.
• We can connect or disconnect a new electric appliance in the circuit without affecting the other components in the circuit.
• If there is a fault in one of the electric appliances, the current is able to pass through different paths of the circuit.