What is the Difference Between Parallel and Series Circuits?

The main difference between parallel and series circuits lies in the way the components are connected and the flow of current through them. Here are the key differences:

• Series Circuits:
• In a series circuit, all components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path for current flow.
• The same amount of current flows through all the components.
• The voltage across the circuit is the sum of the voltages across each component.
• If one component fails or is disconnected, the entire circuit is broken, and the current flow stops.
• Parallel Circuits:
• In a parallel circuit, all components are connected across each other, forming exactly two sets of electrically common points.
• The voltage across each component is the same.
• The total current is the sum of the currents through each component.
• If one component fails or is disconnected, the current flow through the other components continues.

In summary, series circuits have components connected in a single line, with the same current flowing through all of them and a voltage drop that increases with each component. Parallel circuits, on the other hand, have components connected across each other, with the same voltage across all components and a total current that is the sum of the individual currents.

Comparative Table: Parallel vs Series Circuits

The main difference between parallel and series circuits is the arrangement of components and the flow of current through them. Here is a table comparing the key differences between parallel and series circuits:

In summary, series circuits have components connected in a line, with the same current flowing through all components, and the total voltage across the circuit is the sum of the voltages across each component. In parallel circuits, components are arranged parallel to each other, with the same voltage across all components, and the total current flowing through the circuit is the sum of the currents through each component.