Difference between Series and Parallel Circuits

When there are two or more electrical devices in a circuit with a power source, there are two main ways we connect them. They can be connected in series or in parallel.

Series circuit A circuit in which two components share a common node and have the same current flowing through them. However, in a parallel circuit, the components share two common nodes. In this article, we will look at other differences between series and parallel connection circuits.

What is a Series Circuit?

A circuit is said to be connected in series with the same current flowing in all parts of the circuit. In such circuits, the current has only one path. Let’s look at home decorative string lights as an example of a circle series.

It is nothing but a series of dozens of small batteries connected in series. If one bulb flips over, all the bulbs in the row don’t light up.

What is a Parallel Circuit?

A circuit is said to be parallel if there are multiple paths through which electricity flows. Components that are part of parallel circuits will have a constant voltage at all ends.

Difference between Series and Parallel Circuits

Series	Parallel
The same amount of current flows through all the components	The current flowing through each component combines to form the current flow through the source.
In an electrical circuit, components are arranged in a line	In an electrical circuit, components are arranged parallel to each other
When resistors are put in a series circuit, the voltage across each resistor is different even though the current flow is the same through all of them.	When resistors are put in a parallel circuit, the voltage across each of the resistors is the same. Even the polarities are the same
If one component breaks down, the whole circuit will burn out.	Other components will function even if one component breaks down, each has its own independent circuit
If Vt is the total voltage then it is equal to V1 + V2 +V3	If Vt is the total voltage then it is equal to V1=V2=V3