Chapter 6

Series Circuits

Series CircuitHas only one path for electrons to flow.

Load

Voltage Source

Load

Load

VoltageTotal voltage equals the sum of the voltage drops – Kirchoff’s voltage law

ET = E1 + E2 + E3 + E…+ EN

Total Voltage Voltage Drop # 2

Voltage Drop # 1

CurrentSince there is only one path for electrons to flow - The current is equal throughout the circuit. The current must be the same at any place in the circuit.

IT = I1 = I2 = I3 = I…= IN

Total CurrentCurrent at place # 2

Current at place # 1

ResistanceTotal resistance is equal to the sum of the individual resistance values

RT = R1 + R2 + R3 + R…+ RN

Total Resistance Resistance # 2

Resistance # 1

PowerTotal Power consumed in a series circuit is equal to the source voltage multiplied by the circuit current.

PT = ET x IT

Total Power

Total Voltage

Total Current

Ohm’s LawCan be applied to any individual component of a series circuit.If you know two values you can find the third.

V = I x RI =

VR

R = VI

TroubleshootingOpen circuit (break)Check switchesCheck source voltageCheck fuseCheck voltage dropsShort circuit (no resistance)