If I is the total current and I R1, I R2 and I R3 are the currents flowing through respective resistors, then total current is equal to the sum of individual currents.Īpplying Ohm’s Law, we get I R1 = V / R 1, I R2 = V / R 2 and I R3 = V / R 3 As all the three resistors are connected across the voltage source, the voltage is same for all the resistors.īut the same is not true for current as it has multiple paths to flow. To understand more about parallel circuits, consider the following circuit in which we have three resistors connected in parallel to the voltage source. So, a parallel circuit of two elements consists of two common points. If you look closely, one end of all the circuit elements (resistors in this case) is common and also the other end. The circuits in the above image might look different but actually they are essentially the same. If we take three resistors once again, then the following images shows different configurations of three circuit elements connected in parallel. Coming to the parallel circuit, there will be more than one path for current flow. In a series circuit, there is only one path for the current to flow. The main problem with these series holiday lights is that even if one bulb goes out, it interrupts the flow of current and the whole series will not light up. During Christmas and holiday season, we decorate our homes with colorful lights that comprises on a number of lamps all connected in series. One of the best-known application of Series Circuit are our Series Holiday Lights. Rearranging this equation, we get the Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law.Īccording to Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL), the algebraic sum of voltages in a closed loop is equal to zero. This is known as a Voltage Divider Circuit or Potential Divider Circuit.įrom the previous Series Circuit consisting of three resistors, we have established that source voltage is equal to the sum of voltages across the individual resistors. The voltage across R 2 is a portion of the input voltage. If we calculate the voltage across R 2, we get Here, V is the supply voltage, R 1 and R 2 are the resistors and V R1 and V R2 are the voltages across R 1 and R 2 respectively. Let us simplify this discussion by considering just two resistors in series. Voltage Dividerįrom the above explanation of series circuit, you might have noticed an interesting point about voltages across the individual resistors. So, the total resistance of a series resistor circuit is equal to the sum of individual resistances. ![]() If R is total resistance of the circuit, then V = IR and hence V = V R1 + V R2 + V R3 = IR 1 + IR 2 + IR 3 V R1 = I x R 1, V R2 = I x R 2 and V R3 = I x R 3 If V is the supply voltage, I is the current in the circuit, R 1, R 2, R 3 are the resistances and V R1, V R2 and V R3 are the voltages across the respective resistors, then applying Ohm’s Law, we get. Since current is same in all the resistors, we can easily calculate the voltage across the individual resistors using Ohm’s Law. There is only one path for the current to flow in a series circuit. ![]() ![]() If we take the simplest electrical component i.e., a Resistor as an example, then the following circuit shows three resistors connected in Series with the voltage source. If a circuit consists of more than one component and if they are all connected end-to-end so that the same current flows through all of them, then the circuit is known as a Series Circuit. The simplest source of DC is a battery and if we connect a small lamp across the terminals of the battery, then it makes up a simple DC Circuit.īut practical circuits consist of more components than a single lamp. Series vs Parallel Circuits: ComparisonĪ simple DC Circuit consists of a closed path in which the direct current flows.
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