Series and Parallel Circuits

• What are the two ways of joining electrical components?

  In series and in parallel
• What types of circuits can include both series and parallel parts?

  Some circuits include both series and parallel parts
• What are the characteristics of components connected in series?

  • Same current flows through each component
  • Total potential difference is shared between components
  • Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances
• What are the characteristics of components connected in parallel?

  • Same potential difference across each component
  • Total current is the sum of individual currents
  • Total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance
• How does the current behave in components connected in series?

  The same current flows through each component
• What is shared between components connected in series?

  The total potential difference is shared
• How is total resistance calculated for components in series?

  It is the sum of individual resistances
• What is the potential difference across each component in parallel?

  It is the same across each component
• How is total current calculated for components in parallel?

  It is the sum of individual currents
• How does total resistance behave in parallel circuits?

  Total resistance is less than the smallest resistance
• What is the relationship between total resistance and individual resistances in parallel?

  Total resistance is less than any individual resistance
• What is the total resistance of two resistors in parallel?

  It is less than the smallest resistor's resistance
• How does the total resistance of two resistors in series compare to their individual resistances?

  Total resistance is the sum of both resistances
• What is the condition for total resistance in parallel circuits compared to series circuits?

  Total resistance in parallel is less than in series
• What is the implication of having two resistors in parallel regarding their individual resistances?

  The total resistance is less than the smallest resistor
• What happens to the total resistance when more resistors are added in parallel?

  Total resistance decreases with more resistors
• How does the total current behave when more branches are added in parallel?

  Total current increases with more branches
• What is the effect of adding more components in series on total resistance?

  Total resistance increases with more components
• What is the relationship between the total resistance of two resistors in series and their individual resistances?

  Total resistance is greater than either individual resistance
• What is the significance of the smallest individual resistance in a parallel circuit?

  Total resistance is always less than this value