Circuits Lab

Part 1: Series circuit

Research question: How does the current flow in a series

circuit?

Fundamentals and Applications of Series circuits

Series electrical circuits constitute one of the fundamental concepts in

electronics and telecommunications engineering. Understanding the
operation of such circuits is crucial for a wide range of applications, from
consumer electronics to energy distribution networks.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑🧑‍🤝‍🧑 What is a series circuit?

In a series circuit, electrical elements are connected one after another,

forming a single path through which electric current flows. This means
that the same current passes through all elements of the circuit, without
branches or junctions. Each device connected in series shares the same
current and exhibits a voltage proportional to its resistance or impedance.

Characteristics of series circuits:

● Same current: The current flowing through each component of the

circuit is identical. This is the fundamental principle of series
circuits.
● Sum of voltages: The total voltage of the circuit is the sum of the
voltages across each component. This can be calculated using
Kirchhoff's voltage law.
● Sum of resistances: The total resistance of a series circuit is the
sum of the individual resistances of each component. This can be
calculated directly by adding the resistances.
🕉️📐 Ohm's Law and Units of Measurement:

Ohm's Law establishes the fundamental relationship between voltage (V),

current (I), and resistance (R) in an electrical circuit. The equation is
expressed as:

V=I×R

where:

● V is the voltage in volts (V),

● I is the current in amperes (A),
● R is the resistance in ohms (Ω).

🎄 Applications of series circuits:

​ Domestic lighting: Series light bulbs have historically been used for
domestic lighting. Although this method is less efficient than
modern parallel light bulbs, it helps to understand the principles of
series circuits.
​ Consumer electronics: Many electronic devices, such as televisions
and DVD players, use series circuits for the operation of
components such as status LEDs, indicator lights, and sensors.
​ Signal transmission: In telecommunications networks, signals can
be sent through series circuits, where receiving devices are
connected one after another along the signal path.
⚠️ Using the Multimeter:

To conduct accurate measurements in series circuits, it is advisable to use

a multimeter. This tool can be used in series with the ammeter function to
measure the current flowing through the circuit. Additionally, it can be
used in parallel with the voltmeter function to measure the voltage across
each component of the circuit.

In conclusion, series circuits are an essential part of electrical theory and

practical applications in electronics. Understanding the basic concepts of
series circuits is crucial for students of science and engineering and
provides a solid foundation for exploring more complex concepts in
electrical engineering and telecommunications.