Difference between

parallel and series

circuit
Leia Alaali 8E
 Table of contents
research background
question hypothesis introduction
information
link to real arps core
life values

Aim/goal keywords materials method experiment Safety

conclusion/summary
research question

Why electricians prefer parallel connections in

our homes and schools over series connections?
Hypothesis
Parallel circuits needs more energy because they
have multiple pathways, whereas series circuits
use less energy since there is only one path to
follow. Therefore, the greater the number of
paths, the more energy needed
Introduction : Why did i choose this topic?
Electricity is very important in our everyday lives, powering
things like lights and phones. This project looks at two
kinds of electrical circuits: parallel and series. I was
interested in how different lights work; in parallel circuits,
if one light goes out, the others still work. But in series
circuits, if one light fails, all the lights go out. I wanted to
understand why this happens.
 Background information
In a series circuit, all parts are linked in one path, so the same
electrical current moves through every part. If one part
breaks, the whole circuit stops working. On the other hand, a
parallel circuit connects parts to the same power source,
giving several paths for the current. If one part fails, the
others can still work. Therefore, series circuits stop
functioning if there is a problem, while parallel circuits can
keep going.
Link to real life
Take a look at this Christmas tree
Most Christmas lights are series circuit .
If one light goes out, all of the lights go out,
which is a big problem! Be careful with your
lights!
ARPS CORE VALUES
environmental awareness
Parallel circuit needs more energy
which is not the best for the
environment.
Aim/goal

My goal is to clearly explain the

diffrence between parallel and series
circuit
 Keywords
path: is the route electricity follows; it must be complete for devices to work
Circuit: a complete circular path that electricity flows through
Energy:In electricity, energy is the ability to use electric
charges to power devices.
Voltage measures electric potential energy per charge in a
circuit, expressed in volts (V).
Ohm’s law
Ohm's Law Formula: V = I × R Explanation: Ohm's Law explains the
V= Voltage (Volts) relationship between voltage, current,
and resistance in a circuit. If
I = Current (Amps)
resistance increases, current decreases,
R = Resistance (Ohms) affecting the brightness of bulbs.
materials
• 2 small light bulbs with
resistance ~5 ohms each.
• 2 bulb holders
• 1 battery
• 1 battery holder
• Wires
 series circuit
Method:
i connected the battery’s positive terminal to
the first bulb and then connected the first
bulb to the second bulb in a single path. Then
i connected the second bulb back to the
negative terminal of the battery.
series circuit

Now lets calculate the total resistance

each bulb has a resistance of 5
series circuit
Now lets calculate the current for a 9V
battery
series circuit
Now lets calculate the voltage
series circuit

Observation:
both light up, but dimmer because the
voltage is split.
 parallel circuit
Method:
I connected both bulbs separately to the battery
and each bulb’s positive terminal connects to the
battery’s positive terminal. Each bulb’s negative
terminal connects to the battery’s negative
terminal.
parallel circuit

Lets calculate the total resistance

parallel circuit

Now lets calculate the current

 parallel circuit
Now lets calculate the current through each
bulb
Each bulb gets the same voltage (9V)
parallel circuit

Observation:
both bulbs shine brighter
because they get full voltage
Data
Safety

To stay safe , turn off the power before touching

anything. Use tools with plastic handles and don’t
overload the circuit. Keep water away and check that all
parts can handle the power safely.
 Conclusion
Were my objectives Was my hypothesis How can the project be What will happen if i
achieved? correct? improved? add another light
bulb
Yes, i explained the Yes, parallel Use the right tools for In series, each bulb
saefty,label to make it gets even less voltage,
difference between circuits do more organized. The making them dimmer.
series and parallel need more experiment is like a In parallel, brightness
enerygy than game, keep trying and stays the same, but the
circuits clearly you will learn new battery drains faster.
series circuits things!
 Conclusion
This experiment showed how series and parallel circuits work differently. In
a series circuit, the bulbs share voltage, making them dimmer, and if one
bulb goes out, the circuit breaks. In a parallel circuit, each bulb gets full
voltage, so they stay bright, and if one goes out, the others still work. This
proves that parallel circuits are better for most household wiring, while
series circuits are simpler but less reliable.
 References:
byjus.com
And
Cambridge science textbook
Thank you!
Any questions?