Abstract

This project aims to investigate and compare the behavior of electrical circuits
configured in series and parallel arrangements.

The study focuses on understanding the distribution of voltage, current, and

resistance in both circuit types, providing a clear comparison between their
electrical properties.

Using resistors, a power supply, and a multimeter, experiments were conducted to

measure the current and voltage across each component in the circuits.

Theoretical calculations based on Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's rules were

performed and compared with experimental results to validate the findings.

The results demonstrated that in series circuits, the current remains constant
throughout, while the total voltage is the sum of the individual voltage drops across
each resistor.

Conversely, in parallel circuits, the voltage across each branch remains constant,
while the total current is the sum of the currents through each parallel path.

This analysis highlights the practical applications and advantages of series and
parallel circuits in designing electrical systems, such as in household wiring and
electronic devices, where different circuit configurations are employed to achieve
specific outcomes like managing power distribution and ensuring circuit reliability.
In electrical engineering and physics, understanding the behavior of series and
parallel circuits is fundamental to analyzing and designing electrical systems. This
study delves into the characteristics and differences between series and parallel
circuits, focusing on the distribution of voltage, current, and resistance in each type
of configuration.

Analysis of Series
Basic Concepts: Series Circuit
A series circuit is one of the simplest types of electrical circuits in which
all the components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path for
the flow of electric current. Here's a breakdown of the key
characteristics and concepts related to series circuits:

1. Current in a Series Circuit

 In a series circuit, the same current flows through each component

because there is only one continuous path for the current to travel.

 The current at any point in the circuit is identical, meaning if you

measure the current anywhere along the circuit, it will be the same
value.

2. Voltage in a Series Circuit

 The total voltage supplied by the power source (such as a battery)

is divided among the components in the circuit.
 The voltage drop across each component (like a resistor) in a series
circuit depends on the resistance of that component.

 According to Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL), the sum of the

voltage drops across all components in a series circuit equals the
total voltage supplied by the source: Vtotal=V1+V2+V3+…

 For example, if a 12V battery is connected in series with three

resistors, the voltage across each resistor will add up to 12V.

Series Circuit
3. Resistance in a Series Circuit

 The total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual

resistances of all components: Rtotal=R1+R2+R3+…

 Adding more resistors to a series circuit increases the total

resistance, which in turn reduces the current flowing through the
circuit ( as per Ohm's Law I = V/R ).

4. Power in a Series Circuit

 The power consumed by each component in a series circuit can be

calculated using the formula: P=I2R

 Since the current is the same through all components, the power
dissipated by each resistor depends on its resistance.

5. Practical Implications

 Advantages: Series circuits are simple to design and easy to

understand. They are useful when the same current is needed
through multiple components.

 Disadvantages: If any component in a series circuit fails (such as a

light bulb burning out), the entire circuit is interrupted, and current
flow stops. This is why series circuits are less common in practical
applications where reliability is crucial.
 Christmas Lights

6. Example of a Series Circuit

 Consider a circuit with a 12V battery connected in series with three

resistors: 2Ω, 4Ω, and 6Ω. The total resistance would be:

Rtotal = 2Ω + 4Ω + 6Ω = 12Ω

The current flowing through the circuit would be:

I= Vtotal /Rtotal = 12V / 12Ω = 1A

The voltage drop across each resistor can be calculated as:

o V1 = I × R1 = 1A × 2Ω = 2V

o V2 = I × R2 = 1A × 4Ω = 4V

o V3 = I × R3 = 1A × 6Ω = 6V
 As expected, the sum of the voltage drops equals the total
voltage supplied: 2V + 4V + 6V = 12V

Series circuits provide a straightforward way to connect electrical

components, with a single current path and a total resistance equal to the
sum of individual resistances. However, they have limitations in
reliability and are best used in applications where the same current needs
to flow through all components.

Ammeter
 Analysis of Parallel Circuit
Basic Concepts: Parallel Circuit
A parallel circuit is a type of electrical circuit in which components are
connected across common points or junctions, providing multiple paths
for the electric current to flow. Parallel circuits are widely used in
electrical systems because they ensure that all components receive the
same voltage and allow the circuit to continue functioning even if one
path fails.

1. Structure of a Parallel Circuit

 Configuration: In a parallel circuit, all components are connected

between the same two nodes, creating branches through which
current can flow independently.

 Paths: There are multiple paths for current to travel. Each

component is connected directly across the power source, so if one
path is interrupted, current can still flow through other paths.

2. Voltage in a Parallel Circuit

 Constant Voltage: The voltage across each component in a

parallel circuit is the same and equal to the voltage of the power
source.
Formula:

Vtotal = V1 = V2 = V3 = …

Explanation:

 Since all components are connected directly across the power

supply, they all experience the full supply voltage.

Example:

 If a 12V battery is connected to several resistors in parallel, each

resistor has 12V across it regardless of its resistance.
 Voltmeter

3. Current in a Parallel Circuit

 Divided Current: The total current in the circuit is equal to the

sum of the currents through each parallel branch.

Formula:

Itotal = I1 + I2 + I3 + …

Explanation:

 The current from the power source splits into multiple paths, with
the amount of current in each path depending on the resistance of
that path.
  Lower resistance branches will have higher currents, and higher
resistance branches will have lower currents.

Example:

 Using a 12V battery:

o If R1 = 2Ω , R2 = 3Ω , and R3 = 6Ω :

 I1 = 12V / 2Ω = 6A

 I2 = 12V / 3Ω = 4A

 I3 = 12V / 6Ω = 2A

 Itotal = 6A + 4A + 2A = 12A
 Parallel Circuit

4. Resistance in a Parallel Circuit

 Reduced Total Resistance: The total resistance in a parallel circuit

is less than the smallest individual resistance in the circuit.

Formula:

1 / Rtotal =1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + …

Explanation:

 Adding more branches reduces overall resistance because

additional paths allow more current to flow.
Example Calculation:

 Using the previous resistor values:

1 / Rtotal = (1 /2)Ω + (1 /3)Ω + (1 /6)Ω = 0.5 + 0.333 + 0.167 = 1

5. Power in a Parallel Circuit

 Total Power: The total power consumed is the sum of the power
consumed by each component.

Formula:

Ptotal = P1 + P2 + P3 + …

where

P = V×I = I2×R =V2 /R

Example:

 Using the same resistors and voltage:

o P1 = (12V)2 /2Ω = 72W

o P2 = (12V)2 /3Ω = 48W

o P3 = (12V)2 /6Ω = 24W

o Ptotal = 72W + 48W + 24W = 144W

6. Characteristics of Parallel Circuits

 Advantages:

o Independent Operation: If one component fails, others

continue to function normally.

o Uniform Voltage: All components receive the same voltage,

suitable for devices requiring specific voltage levels.

o Expandable: Adding more components is easy and doesn’t

affect the voltage across existing components.

o Lower Total Resistance: Allows more current to flow, which

can be advantageous in power distribution.

 Disadvantages:

o Increased Current Draw: Can lead to higher current from

the source, potentially requiring thicker wires and better
safety measures.

o Complexity in Large Systems: As the number of branches

increases, the system can become complex to analyze and
manage.
 o Power Source Limitations: The power source must be
capable of supplying the total current demanded by all
branches.

7. Practical Applications of Parallel Circuits

Solar Power System

  Household Wiring:

o Ensures that appliances and lights receive consistent voltage

and can operate independently.

 Electrical Systems in Vehicles:

o Allows different components (lights, radio, ignition system)

to function simultaneously and independently.

 Electronic Devices:

o Used in circuit boards where various components require the

same voltage but different currents.

 Battery Configurations:

o Connecting batteries in parallel increases total current

capacity (amp-hours) while maintaining the same voltage,
extending device runtime.

8. Example Problem

Problem Statement:

 A parallel circuit has three resistors: R1 = 5 Ω , R2 = 10 Ω , and

R3 = 15 Ω , connected across a 20 V power supply. Calculate:

1. Total resistance of the circuit.

 2. Total current drawn from the power supply.

3. Current through each resistor.

4. Power dissipated by each resistor and the total power.

Solutions:

Total Resistance:

1 /Rtotal = 1 /5 + 1 /10 + 1 /15 = 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.0667 =0.3667

Rtotal = 1 / 0.3667 ≈ 2.73Ω

Total Current:

Itotal = V / Rtotal = 20V / 2.73Ω ≈ 7.33A

Current Through Each Resistor:

o I1 = 20V / 5Ω = 4A

o I2 = 20V / 10Ω = 2A

o I3 = 20V / 15Ω = 1.33A

o Verification:

Itotal = I1 + I2 + I3 = 4A + 2A + 1.33A = 7.33A

Power Dissipated:

o P1 = V×I1 = 20V × 4A =80W

 o P2 = 20V × 2A = 40W

o P3 = 20V × 1.33A ≈ 26.67W

o Total Power: Ptotal = 80W +40W + 26.67W = 146.67W

Parallel circuits are essential in electrical and electronic systems where

consistent voltage and independent operation of components are
required. Understanding how voltage, current, and resistance behave in
parallel configurations enables engineers and technicians to design and
troubleshoot complex circuits effectively. The ability to maintain
functionality despite individual component failure and to distribute
power efficiently makes parallel circuits a fundamental concept in both
theoretical and practical aspects of electricity and electronics.

Battery Elimnator
 Conclusion
The analysis of series and parallel circuits reveals the fundamental
principles governing electrical systems, allowing us to understand how
different configurations impact the performance of circuits.

In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end, creating a

single path for current to flow. This results in the same current passing
through each component, with the total voltage across the circuit being
the sum of the individual voltage drops. The total resistance in a series
circuit is the sum of all individual resistances, which can limit the
current and affect the overall power distribution. Series circuits are
simple and easy to construct but have the drawback that if one
component fails, the entire circuit is disrupted.

On the other hand, in a parallel circuit, components are connected across

common points or nodes, providing multiple paths for current to flow.
This configuration ensures that the voltage across each component is the
same, while the total current is the sum of the currents through each
branch. Parallel circuits offer the advantage of independent operation of
components; if one branch fails, others continue to function. The total
resistance in a parallel circuit is always less than the smallest individual
resistance, which can result in a higher overall current draw.

Both series and parallel circuits have their unique applications and are
used in various electrical and electronic systems based on the specific
requirements of voltage, current, and reliability. Understanding these
circuits' behaviors and characteristics is crucial for designing and
troubleshooting electrical systems, from simple household wiring to
complex industrial machinery.

In conclusion, the choice between series and parallel circuits depends on

the desired electrical outcomes, with each configuration offering distinct
advantages and trade-offs. Mastery of these basic circuit types is
essential for anyone involved in the study or application of electrical
engineering and physics.

Webliography
 Fundamentals of Electric Circuits by Charles K. Alexander and
Matthew N.O. Sadiku
 Electric Circuits by James W. Nilsson and Susan A. Riedel
 Educational resources from Khan Academy