Electronics: Series and Parallel Circuits

Circuits

Series Circuits

• A series circuit is a single-loop circuit where the current flows through each component in sequence.
• The current is the same throughout the circuit.
• The voltage drop is proportional to the resistance of each component.
• If one component fails, the entire circuit is broken.

Parallel Circuits

• A parallel circuit is a circuit where each component has the same voltage across it.
• The total current drawn from the power source is the sum of the currents through each component.
• If one component fails, the other components remain operational.
• Parallel circuits are commonly used in household electrical systems.

Electrons

• Electrons are negatively charged particles that flow through a conductor (e.g., copper wire).
• Electrons flow from the negative terminal of a power source, through the circuit, and back to the positive terminal.
• The flow of electrons is known as electric current.

Loads

• A load is a component that uses electrical energy to perform work (e.g., light bulb, motor).
• Loads can be resistive (e.g., light bulb), inductive (e.g., motor), or capacitive (e.g., capacitor).
• Loads are typically connected in series or parallel to a power source.

Current Flow

• Electric current is the flow of electrons through a conductor.
• Current is measured in amperes (A) and is affected by resistance and voltage.
• Current flow is from negative to positive terminal.

Short Circuit

• A short circuit occurs when there is an unintended flow of current between two conductors.
• Short circuits can cause overheating, fires, or electrical shock.
• Fuses or circuit breakers are used to prevent short circuits.

Volts

• Volts (V) are the unit of electromotive force (EMF) that drives electric current.
• Voltage is the potential difference between two points in a circuit.
• Voltage is affected by the resistance of the circuit and the current flow.

Circuits

Series Circuits

• A single-loop circuit where current flows through each component in sequence
• The current is the same throughout the circuit
• Voltage drop is proportional to the resistance of each component
• If one component fails, the entire circuit is broken

Parallel Circuits

• Each component has the same voltage across it
• Total current drawn from the power source is the sum of the currents through each component
• If one component fails, the other components remain operational
• Commonly used in household electrical systems

Electrons

• Negatively charged particles that flow through a conductor (e.g., copper wire)
• Flow from the negative terminal of a power source, through the circuit, and back to the positive terminal
• The flow of electrons is known as electric current

Loads

• Components that use electrical energy to perform work (e.g., light bulb, motor)
• Can be resistive (e.g., light bulb), inductive (e.g., motor), or capacitive (e.g., capacitor)
• Typically connected in series or parallel to a power source

Current Flow

• The flow of electrons through a conductor
• Measured in amperes (A) and affected by resistance and voltage
• Flows from negative to positive terminal

Short Circuit

• Unintended flow of current between two conductors
• Can cause overheating, fires, or electrical shock
• Fuses or circuit breakers are used to prevent short circuits

Volts

• Unit of electromotive force (EMF) that drives electric current
• Measures the potential difference between two points in a circuit
• Affected by the resistance of the circuit and the current flow