Parallel vs Series Circuit

Parallel Circuit

• Circuit has two or more complete paths.
• The number of paths is the same with the number of loads or resistances. (If there are 10 paths, there are also 10 loads)
• If one of the load is disconnected the other loads are still connected and working.
• The lights of the bulb (load) are more brighter.
• The loads are connected separately.

Series Circuit

• It has only one complete path.
• Consist of two or more loads in one path.
• If one load is disconnected all the loads is affected because the circuit is already open.
• The lights of the bulb (load) are dimmer.
• The loads are connected one after another.

Series Circuit

A series circuit  has only one path that electrons may flow whatever the number of loads present.  

 If the path is broken, none of the loads will work because the the circuit is not complete.

Christmas light is one of the example of series circuit.

Parallel Circuit

 

A parallel circuit is composed of more than one complete path. The number of paths is the same with the number of loads. Example, if there are three paths in a circuit, there are also three loads or resistances present. 

 If one of the paths is broken, the other paths will still continue to work.

Electrical connections at home is an example of parallel circuit. Where each of the light bulbs and appliances have their own paths.

Electric Circuit

 

The Simple Electric Circuit

 

When a dry cell or battery (source), bulb (load), and wires (connections or path) are connected the bulb lights.

When wires are disconnected the bulb will not light.

Four basic parts of a Simple Electric Circuit:

     1.  Source - Dry cell

     2.  Load - Bulb

     3.  Connections - Wires

     4. Means of Control - Switch

Parts of an Electric Circuit:

1.Source – where the electric current or electricity come from. Examples: generator or battery (dry and wet cell)

2.Load – these are devices that consume electricity also called resistance. Examples: light bulb, electric fan, refrigerator, electric iron, etc.

3.Path or Connection – is the pathway in a circuit where electricity flows or pass through. It is made up of conducting materials called conductors. Example: copper wire

4.    Means of Control – also called circuit breakers or the switch that control the flows of electricity. If the switch is “on” the electric current or electricity can flow in a circuit and if it is “off” the electricity cannot flow.

      An Electric circuit is made up of source, load, and  connections or path  which electric current flows if they are connected.

     A circuit could be closed or open:

     

When the Switch is “ON” the circuit is closed and the electrons flow.

When the Switch is “OFF” the circuit is open and the electrons cannot flow.