What is Series Circuit?

Series circuit is an electrical circuit configuration where components are linked to each other end-to-end, creating a single path for the current flow. Thus, the current in the circuit will flow through every component successively. In a series circuit, the total resistance, which is the sum of the individual resistances of the components in the circuit, is increased as the number of resistors connected in the circuit increases.

  • This is because the current goes on through each resistor, one after the other, then the resistance it will face is the sum of the resistances of each resistor.
  • This is because the voltage drop in each element on which current is flowing is constant and proportional to the element’s resistance.
  • A key characteristic of the series circuit is that if one part or component fails or is removed, the circuit would be broken so that no current will flow through it.

Series Circuit Formula

A series circuit is one of the most important concepts of electrical and electronics courses. In a series circuit, all the components are sequentially arranged and connected with each other to form a single current path. The installed total resistance is the sum of all individual resistors’ resistances. Hence, the total voltage drop is also the sum of the individual voltage drops across the respective resistors. This article will cover the equations, simplifications, and uses of series circuit systems.

Similar Reads

What is Series Circuit?

Series circuit is an electrical circuit configuration where components are linked to each other end-to-end, creating a single path for the current flow. Thus, the current in the circuit will flow through every component successively. In a series circuit, the total resistance, which is the sum of the individual resistances of the components in the circuit, is increased as the number of resistors connected in the circuit increases....

Series Circuit Formula

In a series circuit, all the current moves through each individual component because there is only one unidirectional path for the current movement. In a series circuit, the total resistance (Rs) is the sum of the individual resistance of the resistors (R1, R2, R3,…Rn):...

Three Rules of Series Circuit

The Three rules of the series circuit are as follows:...

Applications of Series Circuit

Series circuits have various applications, including:...

Difference between Series circuit and Parallel circuits

The difference between series circuit and parallel circuits are as follows:...

Solved Examples on Series Circuit Formula

Example 1: A series circuit consists of a 12V battery, a 4Ω resistor, and a 6Ω resistor. Find the total resistance, current, and voltage drop across each resistor....

Practice Questions on Series Circuit Formula

Q1. A series circuit has a 9V battery, a 3Ω resistor, and a 6Ω resistor. Find the total resistance, current, and voltage drop across each resistor. (RT = 9Ω, I = 1A, V1 = 3V, V2 = 6V)...

FAQs on Series Circuit Formula

What is the difference between a series and a parallel circuit?...