Question

Compare and contrast a series and parallel circuit. Give at least one way that they are alike and one way that they are different

Answer 1

A parallel circuit has multiple paths from the energy source to the resistors (e.x., lightbulbs). If one bulb was to burn out, the rest would stay on, unlike a series circuit. If one bulb was to burn out, the circuit is no longer fully connected because there is only one path from the energy source to the resistors. But, despite these differences, they are similar in the way that they do have paths from the energy source to the resistors.

Answer 2

Explanation:

A system of resistors can be arranged in two ways i.e. series combination and parallel combination.

In series combination of resistors, the current flowing across each and every resistor is same while the potential difference divides. The equivalent resistance in series combination is given by :

$R_{eq}=R_1+R_2+.......+R_n$

In parallel combination of resistors, the potential difference across each and every resistor is same while the current divides. The equivalent resistance is parallel combination is given by :

$\dfrac{1}{R_{eq}}=\dfrac{1}{R_1}+\dfrac{1}{R_2}+.........+\dfrac{1}{R_n}$