Advantages and Disadvantages of

Series and Parallel Circuits

Series Circuit Parallel Circuit

• One pathway (circuit) • Two or more pathways

• Current (flow of electric • Current splits, passes
charge) same anywhere through pathways, and
in the circuit adds up again
• Voltage (measure of • Voltage across each
strength of electrical
power) shared in ratio
pathway equals supply
to resistance voltage
Series Circuit Parallel Circuit

• Resistance (reduction • Total resistance less

of electrical current) than the least
adds up, draws less resistance, current
current = battery drawn is less
(power source) lasts = battery life short
longer
 Series Circuit
• One bulb (load) fuses,
circuit incomplete
(open or broken)
• Brightness of bulbs
less because P = IV
P (Power), I (Current), V (Voltage)
Parallel Circuit
• One bulb fuses, the
others will still work
• Brightness of bulbs
more
 Similarities
• Converts electrical energy to light, heat,
sound, etc.