Series and Parallel Circuits

Circuits Can either be series or parallel.

Series Current only takes one path for electrons Current flows through every part of the circuit

Lights in a Series

Series If you add a resistor (like another light): Total resistance goes UP since all the current has must go through each resistor.

Adding Resistors to Series: Current in the circuit will go DOWN (lights will dim) If you remove a light bulb or one burns out—all go out!

Parallel Circuits Has at least one point where current divides More than one path for current to flow Paths are also known as branches

Lights in Parallel

Parallel: Total resistance goes down If you add a resistor: Total resistance goes down Total current goes up when you add another path

Removing a Light Bulb If you remove a light bulb or one burns out, the others stay on because the circuit is still closed.