What is an Electric Circuit?
In order for electrons to flow they have a loop. An electric circuit provides an entire, closed path for electricity. The parts of a circuit contain a load or resistance; wires; and a switch. The source of energy can be a battery, thermocouple, photocell, or an electric generator. The load is a part of the circuit that uses the facility. Some resistance to the flow of electrons is always offered by the load of the circuit. As a result, energy is converted into heat, light, or mechanical energy. The switch is an electric circuit used to prevent the flow of electrons. This is called an open circuit There are two sorts of electric circuits, the series, and shunt circuit.
What is a Series Circuit?
In a series circuit there's just one path for the electrons to flow (see the image of a series circuit below). The main disadvantage of this circuit is that if there's damage within the circuit the whole circuit is open and no current will flow. An example of a series would be the lights on many inexpensive Christmas trees. If one light goes out all of them will.
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Series Circuits Model
Properties of Series Circuit:
The same current travels through every resistance.
The total individual voltage dips across the resistances are the supply voltage V:
V = V1 + V2 + …. + Vn
The total of the individual resistances is the equivalent electrical resistance.
The biggest of all the individual resistances is the equivalent resistance R:
R > R1, R > R2, R > R3 …., R > Rn
What is a Parallel Circuit?
In a shunt circuit, the various parts of the electrical circuit are on several different branches. There are several different paths that electrons can flow. If there's an opportunity in one branch of the circuit electrons can still flow in other branches (see the image of a parallel circuit below). Your house is wired during a shunt circuit so if one light bulb goes out the opposite will stay.
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Parallel Circuits Model
Properties of Parallel Circuits:
Across all the resistances in parallel, a similar potential difference gets through.
To the number of paths equivalent to the number of resistances in parallel, the total current gets distributed. The aggregate current (I) is always the total sum of all the individual currents.
I=I1+I2+...+In
The reciprocal of the equivalent resistance of a shunt circuit is like the sum of the reciprocal of the individual resistances.
The equivalent resistance is the minutest of all the resistances.
R < R1, R < R2, R < R3 …., R < Rn
The mathematical addition of the single conductances is the equivalent conductance.
Even lesser than the smallest of all the resistances linked in parallel is the equivalent resistance.
Difference Between Series And Parallel Circuits
Did You Know?
Ampere is the unit of measuring electric current.
A battery is the major component of an electric circuit that acts as a power source. It provides energy which helps electrons to flow.
In a circuit, electrons are due to negative to positive.
A switch is employed to regulate the flow of electricity. If a switch is open, it'll create a niche within the circuit and current won't flow. When it is closed, the circuit will be completed and flow will continue.
Electric Circuits in your Home: It can be observed in our home that most of the outlets have three prongs. Connected to the outlet are three wires. Two of the wires run parallel to every other and have a possible difference of 220 volts(in India). The third wire is connected to the ground. A wire that's connected to the bottom provides the shortest path of electrons to Earth. This wire carries no current but is just a security feature against short circuits.
A short circuit is when an accident takes place in a circuit that lets electricity take a shorter path within the circuit. These circuits have less resistance and thus more current flow. If the high potential wire should touch the opposite metal surface of an appliance the whole appliance will draw current and provides the person touching it a shock.
FAQs on Types of Circuits
1. What are the essential components of a basic electric circuit?
A basic electric circuit consists of four essential components:
- Energy Source: Provides the voltage or electrical potential, such as a battery or generator.
- Conductor: A path through which the current flows, typically made of wires like copper.
- Load (or Resistor): A device that consumes electrical energy and converts it into another form, like a light bulb (light and heat) or a motor (mechanical energy).
- Switch: A device that can open or close the circuit, allowing you to control the flow of current.
2. What are the two primary types of connections in an electric circuit?
The two primary types of connections for components in an electric circuit are the series circuit and the parallel circuit. In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end, providing only one path for the current. In a parallel circuit, components are connected across the same two points, creating multiple paths for the current to flow.
3. What defines a series circuit and what is a real-world example?
A series circuit is defined by having a single path for the electric current to flow. The current passes through each component sequentially. Key characteristics include: the same current flows through every component, and the total voltage is the sum of the voltages across each component. A common real-world example is a string of old-fashioned decorative fairy lights; if one bulb burns out, the entire string goes dark because the single path is broken.
4. What defines a parallel circuit and why is it used in homes?
A parallel circuit is defined by having multiple branches or paths for the electric current. The voltage across each branch is the same as the source voltage, but the total current from the source divides among the branches. This design is used for all household wiring because it allows each appliance or light to be operated independently. You can turn one light off without affecting the others, and each outlet provides the same standard voltage (e.g., 220V in India) to all connected devices.
5. What is the key difference between how voltage and current are distributed in series vs. parallel circuits?
The key difference lies in how they handle voltage and current distribution:
- In a series circuit, the current is constant through all components, but the voltage is divided among them. Each component gets a fraction of the total source voltage.
- In a parallel circuit, the voltage is constant across all branches, but the current is divided among them. Each branch draws current independently based on its resistance.
6. How does adding more components affect the total resistance in series and parallel circuits?
The effect on total resistance is opposite in the two types of circuits:
- In a series circuit, adding more components (resistors) increases the total resistance. The total resistance is the sum of all individual resistances (R_total = R1 + R2 + ...).
- In a parallel circuit, adding more components (resistors) in new branches decreases the total resistance. This is because you are providing more paths for the current to flow, making it easier for the overall current to pass through the circuit.
7. What is a short circuit and why is it considered a hazard?
A short circuit is an unintended, low-resistance path that allows electricity to bypass the intended circuit's load. It is hazardous because, according to Ohm's Law (I = V/R), a very low resistance (R) allows a dangerously high current (I) to flow. This surge of current can cause rapid overheating of wires, leading to insulation melting, fire, and potential damage to the power source.
8. What are the main disadvantages of using a series circuit for practical applications like home lighting?
Using a series circuit for home lighting has two major disadvantages:
- Single Point of Failure: If one bulb in the series burns out, it creates an open circuit. This breaks the single path for the current, causing all other bulbs in the circuit to go out as well.
- Reduced Performance: As more bulbs are added to a series circuit, the total resistance increases. This increased resistance causes the total current flowing through the circuit to decrease, making all the bulbs dimmer than they would be if powered individually.
