Electrical Theory Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Explain what is meant by electrical resistance

Summarize the differences between series and parallel circuits

State Kirchhoff\'s laws for current and voltage

Electrical Theory

When a complex circuit does not work, the electrician must safely locate, determine, and repair the
problem.

In order to perform successful operation and maintenance tasks in a relatively short time,
electricians must apply fundamental electrical concepts, such as Ohms law. When troubleshooting a
problem, electricians will also have to use more advanced concepts such as Kirchhoffs law. This law
analyzes more complex series circuits, parallel circuits, and combination series-parallel circuits.

Click on each term to find out more:

Kirchhoffs Current Law

The statement that the total amount of current flowing through a parallel circuit is equal to the sum of
the amounts of current flowing through each current path.

Kirchhoffs Voltage Law

The statement that the sum of all the voltage drops in a circuit is equal to the source voltage of the
circuit.

Parallel Circuits
Circuits containing two or more parallel paths through which current can flow.

Series Circuits
Circuits with only one path for current flow.

Series-Parallel Circuits
Circuits that contain both series and parallel current paths.
Resistive Circuits

Resistance is the property of a component which restricts the flow of electric current.

Resistance is calculated in different ways, depending on whether it is a series or parallel circuit.

The resistor is an electrical component that limits the flow of electrical current. Energy is used up as
the voltage across the component drives the current through it. As a result, this energy appears as
heat in the component.

Resistance is measured in ohms. The symbol for ohm is an omega.

1 is quite small for electronics; so resistances are often given in k and M.

1 k = 1000 1 M = 1000000

Resistors used in electronics can have resistances as low as 0.1 or as high as 10 M.

Resistances in Series
When resistors are connected in series their combined resistance is equal to the individual
resistances added together.

For example:

If resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series their combined resistance, R, is given by:

Combined resistance in series: R = R1 + R2

The combined resistance can be extended for more resistors: R = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 + ...

Note:

The combined resistance in series will always be greater than any of the individual resistances.

Resistances in Parallel
When resistors are connected in parallel their combined resistance is less than any of the individual
resistances.

There is a special equation for the combined resistance of two resistors R1 and R2:

Combined resistance of two resistors in parallel:

R = R1 R2 / R1 + R2

For more than two resistors connected in parallel, a more difficult equation must be used. This adds
up the reciprocal (\"one over\") of each resistance to give the reciprocal of the combined resistance,
R:

1 / R = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2 + 1 / R3
Note:

The combined resistance in parallel will always be less than any of the individual resistances.

Series and Parallel Circuits

In a series circuit, the current through each of the components is the same; the voltage across the
components is the sum of the voltages across each component.

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each of the components is the same, and the total current is
the sum of the currents through each component.

As an example, consider a very simple circuit consisting of four light bulbs and one 6 V battery. Click
on each button to know more about series and parallel circuits:

Series Circuits
Here, the wire joins the battery to one bulb, then to the next bulb, and so on, finally joining back to
the battery in one continuous loop.

The current that would flow through all the bulbs is the same, and the voltage drop is 1.5 V across
each bulb. This voltage may not be sufficient to make them glow.

Parallel Circuits
Here, each bulb is wired to the battery in a separate loop.

The currents through the four light bulbs combine to form the current in the battery. The voltage
drop, in this case, is 6.0 V across each bulb. As a result of this, all the light bulbs glow.

Series and Parallel Circuits

Note:

In a series circuit, every device must function for the circuit to be complete. One bulb burning out in a
series circuit breaks the circuit.

In parallel circuits, each light has its own circuit, so all but one light could be burned out, and the last
one will still function.
Kirchhoff\'s Law

Kirchhoffs law states that at any point in a circuit the total current entering that point must equal the
total current leaving that point.

The algebraic sum of currents in a network of conductors meeting at a point is zero.

Recalling that current is a signed (positive or negative) quantity reflecting direction towards or away
from a node, this principle can be stated as:

n
Ik = 0
k=1

n is the total number of branches with currents flowing towards or away from the node.

This formula is valid for complex currents:

n
k = 0
k=1

Kirchhoffs Voltage Law:

This law states that the algebraic sum of the voltages around any closed path is zero.

Loop Equations:

Any closed path for current flow is called a loop. A loop equation specifies the voltages around the
loop.
Lesson Summary

Many-a-times, electricians will have to maintain and fix inoperative electric circuits.

In order to locate, determine, and repair the default circuit, they will have to apply fundamental
electrical concepts such as Ohm\'s law and Kirchhoff\'s Law.

While Ohms law defines the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance, Kirchhoff\'s law
analyzes complex series circuits, parallel circuits, and combination series-parallel circuits.

Series circuits have a single path for the current flow. In parallel circuits, the current flows through
two or more parallel paths.

Resistance within a material restricts the flow of an electric current through it. It is calculated in
different ways, depending on whether it is a series or a parallel circuit.