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The document discusses the principles of circuits, focusing on Ohm's law, the differences between series and parallel circuits, and their practical applications in homes. It highlights that parallel circuits are preferred for household wiring due to their ability to allow independent operation of devices, while series circuits can lead to issues like voltage drop and dependence on each load. Additionally, it addresses safety concerns associated with parallel circuits, emphasizing the importance of adhering to electrical codes.

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Chonky Froggy
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3 views

3-4 Notes (1)

The document discusses the principles of circuits, focusing on Ohm's law, the differences between series and parallel circuits, and their practical applications in homes. It highlights that parallel circuits are preferred for household wiring due to their ability to allow independent operation of devices, while series circuits can lead to issues like voltage drop and dependence on each load. Additionally, it addresses safety concerns associated with parallel circuits, emphasizing the importance of adhering to electrical codes.

Uploaded by

Chonky Froggy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 3

Lesson 4: How are circuits used in practical applications?

Key Ideas
1. Voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit are related by Ohm’s law.
2. Loads can be connected in series or in parallel in a circuit.
3. Parallel loads are practical for circuits in the home.

Key Idea 1: Voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit are related by Ohm’s
law.

Ohm’s Law: The electrical potential difference between two points in a


circuit is equal to the current times the resistance between those two points.

V = IR

V: electrical potential difference (voltage) in volts (V)


I: current in amperes (A)
R: resistance in ohms (Ω)

You can rearrange the variables in Ohm’s law to calculate any of the other
variables if you know the value of the other two.
To find resistance: R = V/I
To find current: I = V/R

Key Idea 2: Loads can be connected in series or in parallel in a circuit.

There are two main types of circuits:


1 Series circuit: A circuit in which current can only flow along
one path
2 Parallel circuit: A circuit that has at least one branch
point where the current splits into two or more pathways

Series circuit: A circuit in which current can only flow along one path
Example: Figure 3.24
•All of the circuit components are connected in series
•Three light bulbs (loads) are connected in series
•There is only one path in which the current can flow through the battery,
switch, and loads

Parallel circuit: A circuit that has at least one branch point where the current
splits into two or more pathways
Example: Figure 3.25

•The light bulbs (loads) are connected in parallel


•The battery and switch are connected in series
•At the branch point, the current splits into two pathways (the sum of the
currents in the branches is the same as the current in the single conductor
before the branch point)

Comparison: Series vs Parallel


A) Series circuit: One pathway for current to flow; current is equal in all parts
of the circuit
B) Parallel circuit: Current splits into three paths; current is reduced in each
path

Key Idea 3: Parallel loads are practical for circuits in the home.
Series circuits are impractical for homes.
Example: Loads connected in series in a kitchen
If one load (ceiling lamp) burns out:

•The circuit will be closed


•___________________________________
•No loads (microwave, toaster) in the circuit will work
Wiring a home with all loads connected in a series would be impractical for several reasons:

1 Voltage Drop: In a series circuit, the voltage is divided among all loads. If one load has a
high resistance, it may consume most of the voltage, leaving other devices with insufficient voltage to
operate properly.

2 Dependence on Each Load: If one device fails or is turned off, the entire circuit is
interrupted. This means that all devices would stop functioning, which is not ideal for a home where
different appliances and lights need to operate independently.

3 Inconsistent Current: In a series circuit, the current is the same through all loads. If
devices have different power ratings, they may not perform correctly, leading to inefficiency and
potential damage.

4 Difficult to Add or Remove Devices: Adding or removing devices would require


rewiring the circuit, making it inconvenient and complicated. In parallel circuits, devices can be added
or removed without disrupting the entire system.

5 Safety Concerns: Series circuits can lead to overheating or tripping of circuit breakers if
the total load exceeds the capacity. This increases the risk of fire or damage to appliances.

For these reasons, homes are typically wired in parallel, allowing for independent operation of appliances and
more reliable, flexible electrical systems.

A parallel circuit allows multiple devices to be connected across the same voltage source, meaning each device
receives the full voltage. While this design offers advantages, such as devices operating independently, it can
become unsafe if too many devices are connected.

Here are a few reasons why:

1 Increased Current Draw: Each device draws a certain amount of current. When too
many devices are connected, the total current flowing through the circuit can exceed the circuit's
capacity, potentially leading to overheating.

2 Overloading Circuit Components: Circuit breakers, wires, and other components are
rated for specific current levels. Exceeding these ratings can cause wires to overheat, insulation to break
down, or circuit breakers to fail, creating a fire hazard.

3 Voltage Drop: With many devices drawing current, there might be a significant voltage
drop across the wiring, causing some devices to underperform or malfunction.

4 Risk of Short Circuits: If any device malfunctions or there’s a fault in the wiring, the
risk of a short circuit increases, which can cause sparks, fires, or damage to connected devices.
5 Difficulties in Troubleshooting: In a heavily loaded parallel circuit, identifying which
device is causing a problem can become complicated, increasing the likelihood of continued unsafe
operation.

To ensure safety, it's crucial to follow electrical codes and guidelines regarding the number of devices connected
to a parallel circuit and to ensure that the circuit is properly rated for the expected load.

4o mini

Parallel Loads: Household Circuits


Parallel circuits are practical because each appliance is controlled by its
own without shutting off others.
Example: Figure 3.27
1 All of the appliances are running. A large amount of current is
passing through the conductor wire (arrow).

2 The ceiling lamp and microwave are turned off, but the
toaster and radio are still running

When large amounts of current flow through a wire, it can overheat and
start a fire.

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