Series circuits
Components in one single loop. The current is the same everywhere. The supply voltage is shared between the components. Total resistance is the sum of the resistors.
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Analogy
A single road with no turn-offs: every car must pass every point.
Example
R1 = 3 ohms, R2 = 5 ohmsTotal R = 3 + 5 = 8 ohmsSupply = 16 VI = 16 / 8 = 2 A
In practice
Old fairy lights were wired in series. When one bulb failed, they all went out.
Practice
Flashcards
- In a series circuit, what is the same everywhere?The current.
Interview questions
- Compare series and parallel circuits for lights in a house.
- Series: one break stops all components, voltage shared
- Parallel: each branch has full voltage and works independently
- Houses use parallel so each light can be switched separately
Questions people ask
What happens to a series circuit when one bulb breaks?
The loop is broken, so there is no path for charge to flow and every bulb goes out. In a series circuit all components depend on each other. That is the main reason houses are not wired in series, since one broken bulb would turn off every light.
Why does adding more bulbs in series make them dimmer?
Each extra bulb adds more resistance, so total resistance goes up and the current falls. The supply voltage is also shared between more bulbs, so each gets a smaller share. With less current and less voltage per bulb, each one gives out less light.