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Electric Circuits

A circuit is a path where a current can flow
If the flow is to be continuous, the can be no gaps in the path
Intoduce gaps in the form of switches, so we can control completing
a circuit
Most circuits have more than one device that we want to provide with
electrical energy

Electric Circuits

There are two ways to connect multiple devices to a voltage source
One is called series
The other is called parallet
Each has unique properties which we now examine

Series Circuits

Series Circuits

A single pathway through the circuit
The current is the same everywhere in the circuit
Each device provides resistance and total resistance is the sum of
the devices
Voltage divides among the devices
Voltage drop across each device is Ir</span><span style=" font-family: 'Times', 'Arial';
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Parallel Circuits

Parallel Circuits

Each device connects to the voltage source
Voltage is the same across each device
Current from source divides into devices
Total current is the sum of device currents
Current in each device is just V/R
Add devices, lower total resistance

Circuits

Ignore resistance of wires for calculations
Just as we ignored air resistance
Ohms Law answers all questions
Lets do some sample calculations

Series Circuit Calculation

12 Volt

10 ohm