Electric Circuit Practical: A Visual Representation That Demonstrates A Series and A Parallel Circuit
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Maan PatelElectric Circuit Practical: A Visual Representation That Demonstrates A Series and A Parallel Circuit
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Maan PatelELECTRIC CIRCUIT PRACTICAL
Experiment: Electric Circuits
Aim: To investigate and series circuits. SHORT CIRCUITS + FUSES
Method A: Set up the following circuits:
Result A: 1. Comparing the brightness of the globes in each case.
2. Remove one globe in each circuit. What happens. Why?
ANSWERS: The brightness of the bulb in the series circuit was dimmer because the
electrons have to power two light bulbs at a time whilst in a parallel circuit are brighten
since they have their own separate part for electrons to power them individually.
If the bulb in the series circuit is removed then the second bulb will also turn off since the
removing of the first bulb will cut out the circuit since it is practically powering nothing.
However in a parallel circuit it is different since each bulb has its own separate powering
path, removal of any bulb will not affect the other light bulb.
A visual representation that
demonstrates a series and a
parallel circuit.
METHOD B: Set up the following circuit
Use connecting wire between the circuit. What happens?
Using a wire in between makes a shortcut for the electrons to move which creates a short
circuit, making a high flow of electrons which would eventually heat up the circuit.
Repeat Method B but place a fuse in the circuit and repeat
Explanation:
A fuse was created using a cork, 2 pins and a nichrome wire. When electrons took the short
cut (which created a short circuit) the whole circuit heated up, which made the nichrome
wire inside the fuse to heat up and melt, which disconnects the whole circuit meaning
nothing can be powered on anymore. This is a very in effective process since the fuse will
have to be replaced every time after a short circuit. Nowadays, circuits have a circuit
breaker which will stop the circuits automatically when there is a fault in the circuit.
Conclusion:
From this practical I learned how in a series circuit, taking out one bulb can
impact on the other bulb and also that it is less effective to have two or more
bulbs on a series circuit because then they would be dimmer, however if they
are placed in a parallel circuit then it is effective since they have their own
separate power supply which would result to a brighter bulb. I also learned
how having a fuse is very ineffective as you would have to replace it every time
there would be a short circuit.
BONUS – APPLICATION OF SHORT, SERIES AND PARALLEL
CIRCUITS.
Application of short circuit
A Switch is an engineered short circuit. When you close the switch you are
creating a short circuit between the terminals of the switch. It’s very useful in
many ways. It can be a way to turn on lights and power to appliances. It can be
a thermostat to regulate temperature. It can be a digital input to say yes or no
to some option on an appliance.
Application of series circuit
All mains operated appliances have switches that are connected to the live
wire (the wire that carries current into the appliance). When a switch is in
series with a device, it controls the device, allowing us to switch it on and off.
For example, often lawnmowers have two switches in series with each other so
that both switches need to be pressed before the mower will turn on.
Application of parallel circuit
Parallel circuits are often used in household electrical wiring so that the lights
continue to work even when the television is turned off.
Parallel circuits are one of the main building blocks used in the infrastructure
that supplies power to large populations. By making use of parallel circuits,
engineers have been able to create power grids that are both more secure and
more efficient. When power goes down in one circuit of a grid, the others
maintain function. Parallel circuits also make it easier to provide an equal
power supply to different homes and buildings.
