Differences between Series and Parallel Circuits
Criteria | Series | Parallel |
|---|---|---|
Voltage Drop | Different across each element | Same across each element |
Current | Same through each element | Different through each element |
Resistance | Total Resistance = R1 + R2 + R3 + …. Rn | 1/Total Resistance = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + …..1/Rn |
Fault | If any element fails, currents stop flowing in the whole circuit | If an element fails, current stops flowing in that particular branch only. |
What is the Difference Between Series and Parallel Circuits?
To understand the difference between series and parallel circuits, let us first define what a circuit is.
An electric circuit is defined as a closed loop of conducting elements through which current can flow. An electric circuit basically consists of the following components:
- Voltage or a Current source
- Connecting wires
- Elements like Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, transistors, diodes, etc.