2.2 Series & Parallel Circuits

• For components connected in series:

  • There is the same current through each component.

  • The total potential difference of the power supply is shared

  between the components.

  • The total resistance of two components is the sum of the

  resistance of each component.
• For components connected in parallel:

  • The potential difference across each component is the same.

  • The total current through the whole circuit is the sum of the

  currents through the separate components.

  • The total resistance of two resistors is less than the resistance

  of the smallest individual resistor.
• R(total) = R(1) + R(2)
• What is resistance measured in?

  Ohms.
• What are the two ways of joining electrical components?

  In series and in parallel.
• Can some circuits have both series and parallel parts?

  Yes.