Parallel Circuits vs. Series Circuits*

Claimed by Yu Fu FALL 2016

Parallel Circuits vs. Series Circuits

In a circuit containing a power source and different electrical elements such as resistors, capacitors, or bulb, the elements of the circuit can be connected either in parallel or in series, relative to the power source. Each type of connection affects the resistivity and overall current in the circuit.

Suppose we have three bulbs and a battery to connect together in a circuit.

One way to connect the bulbs is connect them in line with the battery, in such a way that a charge traveling from the high potential end of the battery to its low potential end would have to travel through all three bulbs to get to there. These bulbs are connected in series.

Another way to connect the bulbs is to make them branch off from a common point connected to the high potential of the battery, creating three paths to go from one end of the battery to the other. A charge traveling from the high potential end of the battery to the low potential end would only travel through one of the three branches, and therefore through one of the three bulbs. These bulbs are connected in parallel.

A Mathematical Model

What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}}_{system} = \vec{F}_{net} }[/math] where p is the momentum of the system and F is the net force from the surroundings.

A Computational Model

How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript

Examples

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Connectedness

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Parallel Circuits vs. Series Circuits*

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