Series and Parallel Circuits - Formula and Examples
Electricity is the lifeline of the entire human race. Almost everything we use everyday runs on electricity. Our development and betterment depend on the availability of energy distributed in the residential and industrial regions. For this, students must learn the importance of electricity and its applications. Students will learn how circuits are formed using conductors, resistance, keys, switches, batteries, etc. They will also learn what series and parallel circuits are and what are the differences between these two types of circuits.
In this section, we will discuss the difference between series and parallel circuits. These circuits are used in everyday life in different appliances. Find out where and why these circuits are used after figuring out the difference between series and parallel circuits tables.
Electrical Circuits: What are They?
An electrical circuit is a closed setup where a conductor is connected with the positive and negative terminals of a power source. There is a switch that helps to disconnect the flow of electric current through the circuits. An electrical circuit can also contain a resistor to control the flow of electric current. It can also be connected with a bulb, motor, or any other electronic appliance. The connection made in an electric circuit determines its type. Now that we have discussed electric circuits, let us study the difference between parallel and series connections.
A progression of circuits alludes to a circuit that has just a single way through which current flows. In the series circuit, every one of the parts are associated so that assuming any issue occurs in the circuit, the current won't move through the circuit. The current in the series circuit is something similar all through the circuit. Then again, parallel circuits allude to a circuit with more than one way through which current streams. In the parallel circuit, every one of the parts have different branches for the current stream; accordingly, the current isn't something very similar all through the circuit. Peruse the given instructional exercise to know the distinction among series and parallel circuits.
What is a series circuit?
A circuit is supposed to be a series circuit when the progression of current is something very similar all through every one of the parts in the circuit. In series circuits, the current has just a solitary way.
In a series circuit, the connections among current and voltage are the specific backwards of those in the parallel circuit. The current through every series component is something similar and equivalent to the source current (Is). Interestingly, the voltage across every series component (V1, V2. V3) fluctuates as per the impedance (in this model, the opposition) of every component. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) applies, and the voltage provided by the source (Vs) is equivalent to the amount of the singular voltage drops across every series component.
Advantage of series circuits
It has a basic plan that is straightforward.
It doesn't overheat rapidly.
It has a higher result voltage with the goal that we can add more power machines.
It conveys a similar current all through the circuit.
Disadvantage of a series circuit
Assuming the complete number of parts expands in the circuit, circuit obstruction will increase.
Assuming an issue happens at a certain point, the absolute circuit will break
What is a Series Connection?
A series connection is an electric circuit where the elements of a circuit are connected one after the other. It means that the end of one element will connect with the beginning of another element in the circuit. Let us make this concept a little simpler. In this circuit design, the same current will flow through all the components or elements connected in the circuit. The current will not be divided into a circuit. This is how you will start understanding the differences between series and parallel circuits.
What is a Parallel Connection?
A parallel connection is an electric circuit where the beginning of all the electrical components is connected at the same point. Similarly, the endpoints of the components will also be connected at a particular point. If you think of it more simply, the electricity supplied is divided into the total number of branches emerging from a point in a parallel connection. This is how you will figure out the difference between series and parallel connection.
What is the Difference Between a Series Circuit and a Parallel Circuit?
Study the types of connections properly at first. Check all the diagrams given in the textbook prescribed by your education board. Compare all the components marked in the diagrams while studying the definitions and descriptions of the concepts. Check how a current is flowing in a series and a parallel connection. This is what the expert students do to understand this concept perfectly.
The easiest way to understand what series and parallel circuits are is to refer to the concept page here. You will discover how meticulously the teachers have described the concepts of series connection, parallel connection, and their differences.
Why Should You Study the Difference Between Series Connection and Parallel Connection?
The prime reasons for studying the differences between a series and a parallel connection are mentioned below.
Understanding What These Technical Terms Mean
As per the expert educationists, the best way to understand new concepts related to two opposite terms in science is to study their differences. You will be astonished to find how easily you can remember the features, characteristics, traits, and important points related to two related terms by studying their differences. In this case, studying the difference between series and parallel connection will help you remember what these connections are. You will also not confuse these two topics.
Answering Questions Related to Parallel and Series Connections
As mentioned earlier, studying the characteristics and important points related to a scientific topic becomes a lot easier when you study the differences between the two topics. If you see it in this way, any question related to series and parallel connections can be answered using the points mentioned in the difference.
Clarification of Concepts
It is quite easy to confuse between series and parallel connections. How can you avoid this confusion? By studying the difference between parallel and series connection, you can easily eradicate all the confusion. Any question related to these connections can be perfectly answered as you remember their features properly.
Completing Studying the Chapter
When you study the difference between series and parallel circuits, this part of the chapter is aptly studied. You can proceed to the next segment after gaining enough confidence on this topic.
What is a parallel circuit?
A parallel circuit alludes to a circuit with at least two ways for the current to stream. In a parallel circuit, every one of the parts have a similar voltage.
In a parallel circuit, the voltage across every component is something very similar and equivalent to the source voltage (Vs), and the current through every component (I1, I2, I3) shifts as per the impedance (in this model, the opposition) of every component. Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) _ applies, and the absolute current moving from the source (Is) is equivalent to the amount of the singular flows coursing through each equal component.
Benefit of parallel circuits
In a parallel circuit, in the event that any one part gets harmed, the current doesn't stop and keeps on coursing through different parts; thus different parts work proficiently.
In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each part is something similar; subsequently, all parts work productively.
In a parallel circuit, you can undoubtedly associate or detach another part without influencing the working of another part.
Disadvantage of parallel circuit
In a parallel circuit, we can't make a difference with an extra voltage source.
A parallel circuit requires loads of wires for association.
Question: Explain the fundamental contrast among Series and parallel circuits?
Reply: A series circuit involves the straight on association between two parts. Current consistently stays in such circuits while the voltage splits between series parts.
A parallel circuit design includes at least two parts in which one finish of all parts shares a typical hub and the opposite end shares another normal hub.
Associations
Series parts share one single hub and there could be no other association. In basic terms, the head of one part interfaces with the tail of the other one and there could be no other association in the middle of them.
Then again tops of all equal parts share one normal hub, and the tail shares other normal hubs.
Voltage
The info voltage is isolated into series parts.
The voltage across equal parts consistently rises to the applied info voltage.
Current
Current consistently stays the same in series parts.
Current is divided among the equal associated gadgets.
Impediments
A harmed part in series circuit opens the general circuit along these lines canceling the current course through the circuit.
In a parallel circuit, a harmed part opens the branch, different pieces of circuit stay flawless.
Obstruction
Series resistors are basically added to acquire the same opposition.
Equal resistors require a particular equation for fitting arrangement.
FAQs on Difference Between Series and Parallel Circuits for JEE Main 2024
1.Why is it Called a Parallel Circuit?
The components in a circuit when attached to form a parallel connection, it is called a parallel circuit. If you watch the diagram closely, you will find how these components are connected in a parallel fashion to each other.
2.Why Should You Prefer Vedantu to Understand the Difference Between a Series and a Parallel Connection?
Vedantu is the most-trusted online portal to learn new concepts very easily. Over the years, students have found immense help from these concept pages to clarify their doubts. The simplest way of explaining these new concepts will surely help you learn new topics easily.