- 2074 Asoj · 4 marks
Series versus parallel circuit comparison
Short answer
In series circuits, current is the same, voltage divides, total resistance equals the sum, and an open stops all. In parallel circuits, voltage is the same, current divides, total resistance is the reciprocal sum, and branches operate independently.
Make comparison table between series and parallel circuit.
A series circuit has components joined end to end so that there is only one path for current. A parallel circuit has components joined across the same two nodes so that the current has more than one path.
| Point | Series circuit | Parallel circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | End to end, one path | Across the same two nodes, many paths |
| Current | Same through every element | Divides among the branches |
| Voltage | Divides among the elements | Same across every branch |
| Equivalent resistance | R = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ (larger than the largest) | 1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃ (smaller than the smallest) |
| Effect of one open element | Whole circuit stops | Other branches keep working |
| Voltage division / current division | Voltage divider rule: V₁ = V·R₁/(R₁+R₂) | Current divider rule: I₁ = I·R₂/(R₁+R₂) |
| Power in an element | P = I²R, larger for larger R | P = V²/R, larger for smaller R |
| Equivalent capacitance | Reciprocal sum (smaller) | Direct sum (larger) |
| Use | Fuse, switch with load, string lights | House wiring, appliances |
Series: o--[R1]--[R2]--[R3]--o
Parallel: +--[R1]--+
o--+--[R2]--+--o
+--[R3]--+
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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