E306: Series and Parallel Circuits

Name: Macatangay, Ezekiel Eljay J.

I. Analysis
For our last experiment this semester, we discussed now the movement of electricity based
on their circuits. The most known circuits are the series and parallel circuits. Here we will try
understand the relationship of each variables to one another. A series circuit is a circuit in which
resistors are arranged in a chain, so the current has only one path to take. The current is the same
through each resistor. The total resistance of the circuit is found by simply adding up the resistance
values of the individual resistors:
equivalent resistance of resistors in series : R = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... (1)
A parallel circuit is a circuit in which the resistors are arranged with their heads connected together,
and their tails connected together. The current in a parallel circuit breaks up, with some flowing
along each parallel branch and re-combining when the branches meet again. The voltage across
each resistor in parallel is the same. The total resistance of a set of resistors in parallel is found by
adding up the reciprocals of the resistance values, and then taking the reciprocal of the total:
equivalent resistance of resistors in parallel: 1 / R = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2 + 1 / R3 +... (2)
To observe this principles, we set up the materials for the series and parallel circuits. Doing
this set up give us a little confusion because of the wires connecting to each battery. So we need a
diagram to follow. The resistance that we apply has an increasing value of 100, 150 and 200 Ω. In
series circuit, only one current flow and the data we gathered for the current flowing in each
resistors are 0.013 A but the voltage that we get is an increasing result of 1.384, 2.09 and 2.92
volts respectively across each resistance. For the next set-up, the parallel circuits, is a lot more
confusing because the wires now overlapping to each other but with our teamwork and maam’s
help we produce an acceptable results. The resistance used in this experiment is the same in the
series circuit. The results that we gathered is that voltage in each resistors is the throughout electric
flow of 5.5 volts. For the current flow, the values are in decreasing manner, 0.05, 0.036, 0.026 A
as the resistance increases, the current decreases.
To show the relationship of each variable to one another, we use the Ohm’s Law that stated
“The potential difference V across a particular sample of material is proportional to the current I
through the material, provided that the temperature and other properties of the materials remain
constant.” The formula for Ohm’s Law:
𝑉
𝑅= (3)
𝑖

II. Conclusion
 In a series circuit, the voltage increases as the resistance increases. The currents flowing
through the resistors are equal. There is only one current that flows through the resistors
 because of the way the circuit is connected so, the current passing through each resistor
would be equal.
 In parallel circuits, the current decreases as the resistance increases. The values of the
voltages across each resistor are equal. This is due to the type of connection that is used
where each resistor is directly connected to the voltage source.
 In choosing our circuits (for example in our home) a parallel circuits is much better to use
than a series circuits. One advantage of a parallel circuit is that you can disconnect one
component in the circuit without disconnecting the rest of the circuit. Series circuits do not
share that property. If houses were wired in series you would have to run everything at the
same time, cooker, heater, iron, tv etc but with parallel circuits you can select what to turn
off and on using switches.
 Another example is that old Christmas tree bulbs were wired in series, and if one went out,
the whole string went out. Newer systems use parallel arrangements, and the string will
remain lit even if one or several bulbs burn out.
 But still it would be a little bit simplistic to say that series or parallel configurations of
components are universally better. It depends what you want to do in the context of the
circuit.

Ref:
https://socratic.org/questions/is-a-parallel-circuit-better-than-a-series-circuit