Series & Parallel Circuits

Introduction So far we have discussed circuits with only two components, a source of current (such as a
battery) and a single resistance (such as a lightbulb or resistor). Of course, most circuits are more
complex: they contain a variety of components interconnected in a variety of ways. The two most
fundamental ways of connecting devices are called series and parallel.

Series Circuits In a series circuit, devices are strung together one after another so that whatever current
flows through one must flow through the other, each in turn.

In this circuit, the current that comes out of the battery passes through both lamps. Neither lamp
feels the full voltage of the battery. How much current comes out of the battery is determined by
the total resistance of the circuit.

Resistances in series add together. Stated more mathematically,

Rtotal = R1 + R2 + R3...

If a switch is added to a series circuit, then it controls (turns ON and OFF) everything in that circuit.
Adding a switch to the above circuit gives us the diagram below. If the switch is open, no current
will flow at all. The switch could be placed anywhere in the circuit and it would have the same
effect.

Parallel Circuits In a parallel combination there is a junction, a "fork in the road". Examine the example
circuit, below. The current entering the junction is split, with some of it leaving in one direction and the
rest leaving the other way. Only part of the current flows through each device. On the other hand, each
device "feels" the full voltage of the battery.

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 If resistors are combined in parallel, the total resistance becomes less, because the current has
alternate paths. The mathematical rule is that the inverse of the resistances add together.

1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3...

If we want to control these lamps with switches, we have options. One way is to add a switch like
this...

In the above circuit, the switch controls all the current flowing out of the battery and into the junction. If
open, both lights will be OFF. When closed, it allows the current to flow and both lamps will glow. On the
other hand, if you want to control the lights individually, then you need two switches, hooked up like
this...

Each switch in this circuit controls one, and only one, of the lamps. In describing this circuit, you would
say that each switch is "in series" with a lamp, and the two switch-lamp combinations are "in parallel"
with each other.

Example

Let's say you have two resistors. R1 = 10 Ωand R2 = 20 Ω.

If they are connected in series, their combined resistance is 30 Ω. Easy, right?
If they are connected in parallel, figuring our their combined resistance is a little more complicated.
1/Rtotal = 1/10 Ω + 1/20 Ω = 3/20 Ω.
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 Remember, this is the inverse of the combined resistance, so invert to find that...
Rtotal = 20/3 Ω = 6.7 Ω

Another example

Let's say you have three resistors. R1 = 500 Ω, R2 = 2 kΩ, and R = 5.6 kΩ.
If they are connected in series, their combined resistance is 8100 Ω, or 8.1kΩ.
If they are connected in parallel, then
1/Rtotal = 1/500 + 1/2000 + 1/5600= 0.002679
Invert to get the final result....
Rtotal = 373 Ω.
Implications What are the consequences of these facts? If you have a battery (or other power supply)
hooked to a circuit, and you add something else to the circuit in series, then the total resistance will be
higher and less current will come out of the battery. This might not be enough current for some of the
devices to work properly. On the other hand, if you add something else to a circuit in parallel, morecurrent
will come out of the battery. Assuming the battery or power supply can handle it, the original devices will
get the same current as before, and the extra current coming out of the battery will go to the new thing you
added. If the current being drawn from the power supply is too much, then the power supply may shut off,
a fuse may blow or a circuit breaker may trip, shutting everything off. If the power supply doesn't have
such protective devices, then the power supply may be permanently damaged and/or a fire might start.

Additional Practice

For these problems, show your work. If there is a calculation, show the equation you are using, plus
the numbers plugged in (with units). If the answer doesn't require a calculation, write a one-sentence
explanation.

3. Draw a circuit with a 12-volt battery and two resistors (5.6kΩ and 220 Ω) in series. (a) What is the
total resistance of the circuit? (b) What is the current flowing out of the battery? (c) What is the
current flowing through the 5.6 kΩ resistor? (d) What is the current flowing through the 220 Ω
resistor? (e) What is the voltage across the 5.6 kΩ resistor? (f) What is the voltage across the 220 Ω
resistor? Assume the wires have no resistance. Solution

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4. Draw a circuit with a 12-volt battery and two resistors (5.6 kΩ and 220 Ω) in parallel. Answer the
same questions as in #1. Solution

5. Draw a circuit with a 12-volt battery, a 1.0kΩ resistor in series, and two resistors (5.6 kΩ and 220
Ω) in parallel. (a) What is the total resistance of the circuit? (b) What is the current flowing out of
the battery? (c) What is the current flowing through the 1.0kΩ resistor? (d) What is the voltage drop
across the 1.0kΩ resistor? (e) What is the voltage across the two parallel resistors? (f) What is the
current flowing through the 5.6kΩ resistor? (g) What is the current flowing through the 220 Ω
resistor?