Difference between Series and Parallel Circuits

 

Components of an electrical circuit or electronic circuit can be connected in many different ways. The two simplest of these are called series and parallel and occur frequently. Components connected in series are connected along a single path, so the same current flows through all of the components. Components connected in parallel are connected along multiple paths, so the same voltage is applied to each component.

 

Series Circuit

Only ONE path for current to flow in a closed circuit Current remains the SAME in all parts of the circuit Voltage is DIFFERENT from each component total power supplied is the sum of powers consumed in each circuit components like P_Total=P_1 P_2 …

Parallel Circuit

Current is DIFFERENT through each component of the circuit (according to their resistance values) Voltage remains the same across each component of the circuit total power supplied is the sum of powers consumed in each circuit components like P_Total=P_1 P_2 …

 

Components of an electrical circuit or electronic circuit can be connected in many different ways. The two simplest of these are called series and parallel and occur frequently. Components connected in series are connected along a single path, so the same current flows through all of the components. Components connected in parallel are connected along multiple paths, so the same voltage is applied to each component.

 

Series Circuit

Only ONE path for current to flow in a closed circuit Current remains the SAME in all parts of the circuit Voltage is DIFFERENT from each component total power supplied is the sum of powers consumed in each circuit components like P_Total=P_1 P_2 …

Parallel Circuit

Current is DIFFERENT through each component of the circuit (according to their resistance values) Voltage remains the same across each component of the circuit total power supplied is the sum of powers consumed in each circuit components like P_Total=P_1 P_2 …