How do parallel and series circuits differ




















A series of circuits refer to a circuit that has only one path through which current flow. In the series circuit, all the components are connected in such a way that if any fault happens in the circuit, the current will not flow through the circuit. The current in the series circuit is the same throughout the circuit. On the other hand, parallel circuits refer to a circuit with more than one path through which current flows.

In the parallel circuit, all the components have various branches for current flow; thus, the current is not the same throughout the circuit. Read the given tutorial to know the difference between series and parallel circuits. A circuit is said to be a series circuit when the flow of current is the same throughout all the components in the circuit.

In series circuits, the current has only a single path. In a series circuit, the relationships between current and voltage are the exact inverse of those in the parallel circuit. The current through each series element is the same and equal to the source current Is.

In contrast, the voltage across each series element V1, V2. V3 varies according to the impedance in this example, the resistance of each element. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law KVL applies, and the voltage supplied by the source Vs is equal to the sum of the individual voltage drops across each series element.

A parallel circuit refers to a circuit with two or more two paths for the current to flow. In a parallel circuit, all the components have the same voltage. In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each element is the same and equal to the source voltage Vs , and the current through each element I1, I2, I3 varies according to the impedance in this example, the resistance of each element. JavaTpoint offers too many high quality services. So, from this discussion, we can say that, in the series circuit, flowing current remains the same at each part of the circuit.

While in parallel circuits, the voltage across two endpoints of the branches is the same as the supplied voltage. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Skip to content The crucial difference between series and parallel circuit exist on the basis of orientation of the components in the circuit.

Key Differences Between Series and Parallel Circuit The components in a series circuit are arranged in a single path from one end of supply to another end. However, the multiple components in a parallel circuit are arranged in multiple paths wrt the two end terminals of the battery. In a series circuit, a common current flows through all the components of the circuit. While in a parallel circuit, a different amount of current flows through each parallel branch of the circuit. In the series circuit, different voltage exists across each component in the circuit.

If the charge were to flow in a closed loop of a series circuit, there is only one direction for current to flow, and this flow isn't split or summed up by changes in paths for the current to flow.

This means that, across each resistor, the flow of charge remains constant and the voltage, how much potential of charge is available at each point, differs because each resistor adds more and more resistance to this path of the current. On the other hand, if the current from a voltage source such as a battery had multiple paths to take, it would split up as is the case in a parallel circuit.

But, as stated previously, the amount of current entering a given point must equal how much current is leaving. Following this rule, if current were to branch off into different paths from a fixed point, it should be equal to the current that re-enters into a single point at the end of each branch.

If the resistances across each branch differ, then the opposition to each amount of current differs, and this would lead to differences in voltage drops across the parallel circuit branches. Finally, some circuits have elements that are both in parallel and in series. This lets you re-draw the overall circuit using equivalent circuits, one of components in series and the other of those in parallel.

Then use Kirchhoff's rules on both the series and the parallel circuit. Using Kirchhoff's rules and the nature of electrical circuits, you can come up with a general method to approach all circuits regardless of whether they're in series or parallel. First, label each point in the circuit diagram with letters A, B, C, Locate the junctions, where three or more wires connected, and label them using the currents flowing in and out of them. Determine the loops in the circuits and write equations describing how the voltages sum up to zero in each closed loop.

Parallel and series circuit examples differ in other electrical elements as well. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.

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