Circuits

Series vs Parallel

Spot the differences

Series Circuit

A series circuit is one that connects an electrical source with its components one after another, forming one single loop.

Series Circuit

There is only one path for the current to flow through.

The current flows through the first bulb, then through the next bulb, to light up all the bulbs.

Disadvantage of a series circuit

If one of the bulbs is taken out or damaged, the other bulb will not light up.

Why not?

- Open circuit- Electricity cannot pass

through the circuit.

Parallel circuit

A parallel circuit is one that splits into two or more branches.

Parallel circuit

There is more than one path for the current to flow through.

Some current passes through one bulb and the rest flows through the other bulb.

Advantage of Parallel circuits

If one of the bulbs is taken out or damaged, the other bulb will still light up.

Why?

- One part of the circuit is still closed.

Series circuit Parallel circuit

Each single component is joined one after the other to form a single path

Divides into two or more branches and has electrical components in each branch

Current flowing through each of the components is the same

Current flowing through the components in the different branches may not be the same

Arrangement of circuits

Lighting at home

What kind of circuit is more commonly used?

Vote:Series circuit – Raise left handParallel circuit – Raise right hand

Why use parallel circuit in the household lighting?

If one bulb is damaged or switched off, the other bulb can still work.

How about your classroom lighting?

Parallel circuits