2007-11-26 21:27:27 · 4 answers · asked by Yuks 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
A series circuit has several electrical elements (active and/or passive) added in a row - like a chain.
The current flow through all elements is the same. Voltages across individual elements can be widely different.
A parallel circuit has several electrical elements (active and/or passive) added side by side - like pillars in a hall between floor and ceiling.
The voltage across all elements is the same. Current through elements can be widely different.
2007-11-26 21:53:54 · answer #1 · answered by Ernst S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the series connection the resistors are connected one after the other. There is only one way for the current to pass through. Hence, the current "I" will be the same through all the resistors. But the voltage across each resistor will be different and equal to Ixr1, Ixr2, Ixr3, and so on........
But in the parallel connection the voltage across each resistance will be the same. But the current will be different in different resistors. Higher the resistance, smaller the current or smaller the resistance higher the current.
Resultant of Series Connection:- When two or more resistors are connected in series the total or effective resistance of the combination is the sum total of the individual resistances. If r1, r2, r3 & r4 are the resistors connected in series the resultant resistance R is equal to (r1+r2+r3+r4) ohms.
Resultant of Parallel Connection :- When two or more resistrors are connected parallel to each other the resultant resistance R will be less than the smallest of the group & can be calculated using the formula 1/R = 1/r1 + 1/r2 + 1/r3 + 1/r4
2007-11-27 00:51:00 · answer #2 · answered by Joymash 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a series circuit the positive and the negative poles of two or more batteries are attached to each other and the others two positive and negative poles are attached to the motor.
In a paralell circuit the positives are attached to each other and to the positive side of the motor,and the negatives are set up the same way.
2007-11-26 21:42:23 · answer #3 · answered by domedweller2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a series circuit there's only one path for current. In a parallel circuit there are multiple paths for current.
2007-11-26 21:30:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋