Series and parallel circuits – basic principles
How it works
In electrical circuits, a distinction is made between series circuits (all components one after another) and parallel circuits (components side by side). In a series circuit, the current is the same everywhere, and the total voltage is distributed across the components. In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is the same, and the total current is distributed among the branches. The total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances; in a parallel circuit, the reciprocal of the total resistance is the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances.
In a series circuit, the resistances add directly; in a parallel circuit, the reciprocals of the resistances add. In a series circuit, the current is the same everywhere; in a parallel circuit, the voltage across all branches is the same.
An example
Which statement applies to a series circuit of two resistors?
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Physics. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.