Series and parallel
ScienceDefinition
Series and parallel describe two basic ways to connect components in an electrical circuit. In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end so the same current flows through each. In a parallel circuit, components are connected across the same two points so each has the same voltage.
Examples
- Old-style Christmas lights wired in series (one burns out, all go dark)
- Household outlets wired in parallel so each appliance gets 120V independently
- Combining batteries in series to increase total voltage
Key Fact
Series: Rtotal = R₁+R₂+...; Parallel: 1/Rtotal = 1/R₁+1/R₂+...
Study This Concept
Practice series and parallel with free review games in these units: