Circuits - Station Nation Activity

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CIRCUITS: SERIES VS.

PARALLEL
REMEMBER!
I must be able to differentiate
Hello! I’m General Gilbert and I’ll be
your guide to accomplish the
mission.

Welcome to Ridiculous Core Camp! series from parallel circuits.

I must be able to construct


series and parallel circuits using
simulation.
I must be able to cite advantages
and disadvantages of series and
parallel connections in homes.
There are significant
differences between series
and parallel circuits which
lead them to have
advantages and
disadvantages in homes.

Your mission is to
differentiate these two types
of connection by
accomplishing the
challenges in each station.

Click the map to


proceed to each
station
How do series circuits differ from parallel circuits?

Difference Between Series and Parallel Circuits

When there are two or more electrical devices in a circuit with an energy source, there are a
couple of basic ways by which we connect them. They can either be connected in series or parallel
combination. A series circuit is a circuit in which two components share a common node and the same
current flows through them. However, in a parallel circuit, components share two common nodes. In
this article, let us look at more differences between series connection and parallel connection circuits.

What is a Series Circuit?


SERIES CIRCUIT
A circuit is said to be connected in series when the same current flows through all the
components in the circuit. In such circuits, the current has only one path. Let us consider the
household decorative string lights as an example of a series circuit. This is nothing but a series of
multiple tiny bulbs connected in series. If one bulb fuses, all the bulbs in series do not light up.

What is a Parallel Circuit?

A circuit is said to be parallel when the electric current has multiple paths to flow through. The
components that are a part of the parallel circuits will have a constant voltage across all ends.
PARALLEL CIRCUIT
How do series circuits differ from parallel circuits?

The major difference between series and the parallel circuit is the amount of current that flows through each of the components in the circuit. In
a series circuit, the same amount of current flows through all the components placed in it. On the other hand, in parallel circuits, the components are
placed in parallel with each other due to which the circuit splits the current flow. The current flowing from the source will be divided into the current
flowing through each of these components.

Series Parallel

The same amount of current flows through The current flowing through each
all the components. component combines to form the current
flow through the source.

In an electrical circuit, components are In an electrical circuit, components are


arranged in a line. arranged parallel to each other.

When resistors are put in a series circuit, When resistors are put in a parallel circuit,
the voltage across each resistor is different the voltage across each of the resistors is
even though the current flow is the same the same. Even the polarities are the same.
through all of them.

If one component breaks down, the whole Other components will function even if one
circuit will burn out. component breaks down, each has its own
independent circuit.

If Vt is the total voltage then it is equal to If Vt is the total voltage then it is equal to
Click here
V1+V2+V3 V1=V2=V3 to proceed
How do series circuits differ from parallel circuits?

Let’s check your understanding!

Complete this mission in 3 minutes.

Good luck!
How to construct series and parallel circuits using
simulation?

Let’s construct a series and parallel circuits using a virtual lab simulation.
It was divided into two parts:
1 - Circuit Builder: Series; and
2 - Circuit Builder: Parallel

Click the 1st button to access your guide and 2nd & 3rd to access where you’ll input
your answers.

Do this for 10 minutes. Strategy is a must!

Good luck!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a series and
parallel connections in home?

Let’s watch a short video clip showing some advantages


and disadvantages of series and parallel circuits.

Afterwards, accomplish the given task for 3 minutes.

Good luck!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a series and
parallel connections in home?

Click here to
proceed
You’ve successfully
finished the mission
Ridiculous Core
Camp.

Congratulations!

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