Science

Grade 8 • Unit 7: Electricity

LESSON 7.4
Series and Parallel Circuits
Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Learning Competency 2

Learning Objective 2

Warm-Up 2

Learn about It 4
Series Circuit 4

Worked Examples 6
Parallel Circuit 11

Worked Examples 13

Key Points 18

Check Your Understanding 19

Bibliography 21

Answer to Let’s Practice 21

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Grade 8 • Unit 7: Electricity

Lesson 7.4
Series and Parallel Circuits

Hanging light bulbs in the streets

Introduction
The electrical connection in your house is composed of several electric circuits. There are
many ways on how we are going to connect devices. Try to think of how the wiring for your
lights are connected to the wirings of other appliances.

In this lesson, we will discuss the two most basic electrical circuits which we call the series
and parallel connections. You will further learn about the difference between the two types
of connections.

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Learning Competency
At the end of this lesson, the given DepEd learning competency should be met
by the students.
● Explain the advantages and disadvantages of series and parallel
connections in homes (S8FE-Ii-31).

Learning Objective
In this lesson, you should be able to explain how series and parallel connections
work.

Warm-Up

Lighting Up More Bulbs!

Materials
● 2 meters thin and solid copper wire
● flashlight bulbs
● flashlight bulb holders
● 9V battery

Procedure
A. First Setup
1. Using 1 meter thin and solid copper wire, create a simple electric circuit
composed of two flashlight bulbs.
2. Light up the bulbs by connecting the electric circuit to the 9 V battery. Observe

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what happens.
3. With the battery still connected to the circuit, remove one of the bulbs on the
holder. Observe what happens.
4. Set aside the first circuit you have made. See to it that it is unattached to the
battery to conserve its power.
B. Second Setup
1. Create another electric circuit. Divide another
meter of copper wire into six (6) equal parts.
2. Attach the flashlight bulbs into its holders.
Attach two wires on each of the holders.
3. Attach the wires of the first flashlight bulb into
the second flashlight bulb.
4. Connect the second flashlight bulb into the 9V
battery. Observe what will happen.
5. With the battery still connected to the circuit,
remove one of the bulbs on the holder.
Observe what will happen.

Guide Questions
1. What happened when you removed one of the flashlight bulbs on the first electric
circuit? Why do you think this happened?
__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. What happened when you removed one of the flashlight bulbs on the second electric
circuit? Why do you think this happened?
__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Learn about It

Essential Question
What are the differences between a series and a parallel connection?

Series Circuit
A series connection is characterized by the flow of charges in one path only on an electric
circuit. As shown in Fig. 1 below, four light bulbs are connected in series with the source.
The current that passes through each of the light bulbs is the same. Thus, if there is a gap in
the circuit, the three light bulbs would go off. Similarly, if one of the light bulbs burned out,
then current would cease to flow, and the other bulbs would go off as well.

Fig. 1. Light bulbs connected in series circuit

The characteristics of a series circuit are summarized below.

● The current in a series connection follows a single pathway. Hence, the current
through each device is the same. This is mathematically defined as

where IT is the total current in amperes (A) and subscript N is the total number of
loads in the circuit.

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● The sum of the voltage across each device is equal to the voltage provided by the
source. Thus, in order to find the voltage across each device, Ohm’s law is applied
individually. Mathematically, it is defined as

where VT is the total voltage in volts (V) and subscript N is the total number of loads in
the circuit.

● The overall resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances of
each connected device in the circuit. Hence, in accordance with Ohm's law, the
current in the circuit is mathematically equal to the voltage divided by the total
resistance. In equation form, it is given by

where RT is the total resistance in ohms (Ω) and subscript N is the total number of
loads in the circuit.

A classic real-world example of a series connection is seen in Christmas lights. When one of
the bulbs burns out, the whole circuit ceases to light. That is because the current can no
longer flow within the circuit. This is the main disadvantage of a series circuit. Now, how do
you think this problem can be addressed?

Remember
Resistance in series circuit increases as the number of loads increases.
According to Ohm’s law, this would result in a decrease in current along
the circuit’s path and increase in voltage across the loads.

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Worked Examples
Example 1
A circuit of three loads is connected in series. If the circuit has a total resistance of 110 Ω
and is connected to 220 V source, find the total and individual currents of the loads.

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate for the total current (IT ) and individual current of the
loads (I1, I2, and I3 ).

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The total resistance of the circuit and the total voltage of the circuit are given.

Step 3: Write the working equation.

and

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

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Therefore, the total and individual currents of the load is 2 A.

Let’s Practice
A series circuit is composed of three loads having a total resistance of 65 Ω. If it is
connected to a 110 V source, what is the circuit’s total and individual currents of the load?

Example 2
Three flashlight bulbs were connected in series in a circuit. Their resistances are 5 Ω, 8 Ω,
and 13 Ω. Calculate the total and individual voltages of the load in the circuit and the total
resistance if the current on it is 3.50 A.

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the total resistance (RT ), total voltage (VT ) and
individual voltage of the loads (V1, V2, and V3 ).

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The resistance of the light bulbs and the current through the circuit are given.

Step 3: Write the working equation.

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and

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

Therefore, the total resistance is 26 Ω; the individual voltages of the resistors are 17.5 V, 28
V, and 45.5 V; and the total voltage is 91 V.

Let’s Practice
A series circuit is composed of four flashlight bulbs with resistances of 10 Ω, 12 Ω, and 19
Ω, respectively. Find the total and individual voltages of the circuit if the current is 3.4 A.

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Example 3
A circuit is composed of resistors connected in series. The resistance of the resistors are 4
Ω, 3 Ω, 9 Ω, and 15 Ω. If the voltage in the source is 45 V, calculate the individual voltage and
current of the loads, the total resistance, and total current in the circuit.

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the total resistance (RT ), total current (IT ), individual
current of the loads (I1, I2, I3, and I4 ), and individual voltages of the loads (V1, V2, V3,
and V4 ).

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The resistance of the resistors and total voltage of the circuit are given.

Step 3: Write the working equation.

, , ,

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

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Step 5: Find the answer.

Therefore, the total current is 1.45 A; the total resistance is 31 Ω; the individual current of
the resistors are also equal to 1.45 A; and the individual voltages are 5.8 V, 4.35 V, 13.05 V,
and 21.75 V.

Let’s Practice
A circuit composed of 5 resistors with resistances of 11.2 Ω, 13.8 Ω, 14.5 Ω, 17.4 Ω, and
19.8 Ω is connected in series. If the voltage in the circuit’s source is 95 V, find the
individual voltage and current of the resistors and the total current in the circuit.

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Parallel Circuit
Suppose you rearrange the light bulbs in Figure 4 and connect them in a manner similar to
the one below. Notice that the lamps are connected to the points A and B. If devices in a
circuit are connected to the same two points, then they are said to be connected in
parallel.

Fig. 2. Light bulbs connected in a parallel circuit

As Figure 2 shows, the current in a parallel circuit does not take a single path. Thus, even if
the switch is off on one bulb, the other two can still function. In other words, there is more
than one pathway for current in a parallel circuit. Therefore, the devices can operate
independently.

The characteristics of a parallel circuit are summarized below.

● The sum of the current in each device (or branch) is equal to the total current in the
circuit. Therefore, the lower the resistance in each path, the larger the current (and
vice versa). It is mathematically defined as

where IT is the total current in Amperes (A) and subscript N is the total number of
loads in the circuit.

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● The devices in a parallel circuit are connected to the same two points. Hence, the
voltage across each device is the same. Mathematically, it is defined as

where VT is the total voltage in Volts (V) and subscript N is the total number of loads
in the circuit.

● If more devices are connected in parallel to a circuit, then the overall resistance is
lowered. In other words, the overall resistance in a parallel circuit is less than the
resistance of any one of the devices. It is given by the equation

where RT is the total resistance in Ohms (Ω) and subscript N is the total number of
loads in the circuit.

Electrical connections in our homes are often assembled in parallel circuits. Thus, we can
turn on a single light bulb without having to turn on every light bulb in the house.

Remember
Resistance in parallel circuits decreases as the number of loads increases.
According to Ohm’s law, this would result in an increase in current along
the circuit’s path and decrease in voltage across the loads.

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Worked Examples
Example 1
A circuit of 7 loads is connected in parallel. If the circuit has a total resistance of 150 Ω and
has an overall current of 0.73 A, find the total and individual voltages of the loads.

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required to find in the problem.
You are asked to calculate for the total voltage (VT ) and individual voltages of the
loads (V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, and V7 ).

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The total resistance of the circuit and the total circuit of the circuit are given.

Step 3: Write the working equation.

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

Therefore, the total and individual voltage of the loads is 110 V.

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Let’s Practice
A parallel circuit is composed of four loads having a total resistance of 85 Ω. If the total
current in the circuit is 4.0 A, find the circuit’s total resistance and total and individual
voltage of the loads.

Example 2
Four devices were connected in parallel in a circuit. Their resistances are 15 Ω, 22 Ω, 28 Ω
and 31 Ω. Calculate the total and individual current of the loads in the circuit if the voltage of
the source is 75 V.

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the total resistance (RT ), total current (IT ), and
individual current of the loads (I1, I2, I3, and I4 ).

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The resistances of the devices and the applied voltage are given.

Step 3: Write the working equation.

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, , ,

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

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Therefore, the total resistance in the circuit is 5.55 Ω; the individual current of the resistors
are 5 A, 3.41 A, 2.68 A and 2.42 A; and the total current is 13.51 A.

Let’s Practice
A parallel circuit is composed of four flashlight bulbs with resistances of 20 Ω, 32 Ω, 49 Ω
and 51 Ω respectively. Find the total resistance and total and individual current of the
loads and of the circuit if the voltage is 110 V.

Example 3
A circuit is composed of resistors connected in parallel. The resistance of the resistors are
6.2 Ω, 7.9 Ω, 9.2 Ω, and 13.4 Ω. If the current in the circuit is 6.5 A, calculate the individual
voltage and current of the loads, the total resistance of the circuit and the total voltage in
the source.

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required to find in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the total resistance (RT ), total voltage (VT ), individual
current of the loads (I1, I2, I3, and I4 ), and individual voltages of the loads (V1, V2, V3,
and V4 ).

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The resistance of the resistors and total current of the circuit are given.

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Step 3: Write the working equation.

, , ,

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

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Therefore, the total resistance is 2.12 Ω; the individual currents are 2.22 A, 1.74 A, 1.50 A,
and 1.02 A; and the total and individual voltages are equal to 13.78 V.

Let’s Practice
A circuit composed of 5 resistors with resistances of 13.2 Ω, 19.7 Ω, 25.5 Ω, 32.4 Ω, and
44.8 Ω is connected in parallel. If the current in the circuit is 10.9 A, find the individual
voltage and current of the resistors, the total resistance in the circuit and the total voltage
in the source.

Key Points

● There are two types of circuits: series circuit and parallel circuit.
● Series circuit:
○ The current flows in a single pathway. Thus, the current is the same in all
devices.
○ The overall resistance increases as more devices are connected. Hence,
lowering the current.
● Parallel circuit:
○ Each device is connected to the same two points. Thus, the voltage across
each device is the same.
○ Since there are multiple paths for the current, the overall resistance
decreases as more devices are connected, hence increasing the total current.

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Check Your Understanding

A. Read and analyze the following statements given. Identify if the statement describes
a series or a parallel connection.

____________________ 1. lights in a Christmas tree

____________________ 2. connection of appliances at home

____________________ 3. turning off the light switch turns off all the lights in a

room

____________________ 4. a switch that cuts off the electrical supply in your room

during an emergency

____________________ 5. turning on your television does not turn on other

appliances in your house

B. Read and analyze the following statements given. Write T if both statements are true,
F if both statements are false, and TF if only one of the statements is incorrect.
Underline the word(s) which makes the statement(s) is/are incorrect.

__________ 1.
A. The current in a series circuit is equal through each of the loads.
B. In the absence of current, bulbs connected in series will not light
up.

__________ 2.
A. The resistance in a parallel circuit is lower compared to
individual resistances of its loads.
B. In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each load is not the same.

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__________ 3.
A. As you increase the loads in a parallel circuit, resistance
decreases.
B. As you increase the loads in a series circuit, resistance increases.

__________ 4.
A. There is only one pathway of current in a parallel circuit.
B. Electric current passes through more than one pathway in a
series circuit.

__________ 5.
A. The most common connection in a household is in the form of a
parallel circuit.
B. Series circuit is not advisable for household wiring.

C. Describe the characteristics of each of the electrical quantities in the type of circuit
given.
1. voltage in parallel circuit
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________________
2. current in series circuit
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________________
3. resistance in parallel circuit
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________________
4. voltage in series circuit
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________________
5. current in parallel circuit
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________________

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Bibliography

Floyd, Thomas L. 1991. Electronics Fundamentals (2nd ed). New York: Macmillan Publishing
Company.

Hewitt, Paul G. 2006. Conceptual Physics (10th ed). New York: Pearson Addison Wesley.

“Resistance.” The Physics Classroom. Accessed May 30, 2017.

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/circuits/Lesson-3/Resistance.

Young, H. and Freedman, R. 2008. Sears and Zemansky's University Physics (with Modern
Physics) (12th ed.). USA: Pearson Education.

Answer to Let’s Practice

1. A series circuit is composed of three loads having a total resistance of 65 Ω. If it is
connected to 110 V source, what is the circuit’s total and individual currents of the
load?
Answer: The total and individual currents of the load is 1.7 A.

2. A series circuit is composed of four flashlight bulbs with resistances of 10 Ω, 12 Ω,

and 19 Ω, respectively. Find the total and individual voltages of the circuit if the
current is 3.4 A.
Answer: The individual voltages of the resistors are 34 V, 40.8 V, and 64.6 V; and the
total voltage is 139.4 V.

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3. A circuit composed of 5 resistors with resistances of 11.2 Ω, 13.8 Ω, 14.5 Ω, 17.4 Ω,

and 19.8 Ω is connected in series. If the voltage in the circuit’s source is 95 V, find the
individual voltage and current of the resistors and the total current in the circuit.
Answer: The total current is 1.2 A; the total resistance is 76.7 Ω; the individual current
of the resistors are also equal to 1.2 A; and the individual voltages are 13.4 V, 16.6 V,
17.4 V, 20.9 V, and 23.8 V.

4. A parallel circuit is composed of four loads having a total resistance of 85 Ω. If the

total current in the circuit is 4.0 A, find the circuit’s total resistance and total and
individual voltage of the loads.
Answer: The total and individual voltage of the loads is 340 V.

5. A parallel circuit is composed of four flashlight bulbs with resistances of 20 Ω, 32 Ω,

49 Ω and 51 Ω respectively. Find the total resistance and total and individual current
of the loads of the circuit if the voltage is 110 V.
Answer: The total resistance in the circuit is 8.25 Ω; the individual current of the
resistors are 5.5 A, 3.44 A, 2.24 A and 2.16 A; and the total current is 13.04 A.

6. A circuit composed of 5 resistors with resistances of 13.2 Ω, 19.7 Ω, 25.5 Ω, 32.4 Ω,

and 44.8 Ω is connected in parallel. If the total current in the circuit is 10.9 A, find the
individual voltage and current of the resistors, the total resistance in the circuit and
the total voltage in the source.
Answer: The total resistance is 4.57 Ω; the individual currents are 3.65 A, 2.44 A, 1.89
A, 1.49 A and 1.07 A; and the total and individual voltages are equal to 49.8 V.

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