Difference Between Series and Parallel Circuits
The differences between Series and Parallel Circuits are shown below:
Characterization | Series Circuit | Parallel Circuit |
---|---|---|
Definition | A series circuit is a circuit in which the circuit components are connected one after the other. | A parallel circuit is a circuit in which the circuit components are connected in parallel with the same point. |
Arrangement | Components are connected in line. | Components are connected parallel to each other. |
Current | Similar current flows through each component. | Different current flows through each component. |
Voltage | Different voltages across each component. | The identical voltage across each component. |
Path | It has only one path. | It has more than one path. |
Total current |
The total current in the circuit I = I 1 = I 2 = I 3 |
The total current in the circuit I = I 1 + I 2 + I 3 |
Total voltage |
Total voltage in the circuit V = V 1 + V 2 + V 3 |
Total voltage in the circuit V = V 1 = V 2 = V 3 |
Total resistance |
The total resistance in the circuit is given by R = R 1 + R 2 + R 3 |
The total resistance in the circuit is given by R = 1/R 1 + 1/R 2 +1/R 3 |
Circuit failure | If one component does not work the whole circuit fails. | If one component does not work, no effect on the other components of the circuit. |
Circuit diagram |
Series And Parallel Circuits : Definition and Difference
Electrical circuits are circuits made of electric components through which an electric current can pass. The electric circuit includes batteries, wires, resistors, etc. Series and parallel circuits are types of electrical circuits. Series circuits are the circuit in which the circuit components are connected successively. In the series circuit, all the components in the circuit experience the same current. Parallel circuits are in which the components are connected parallel to each other. In the parallel circuit, components are connected with the same point of contact. All components connected in parallel circuit experiences different current for each component.