series circuit

An electrical circuit in which the components are connected end to end, so that the current flows through them all one after the other. The current must move in "series" first going to one component, such as a resistor, then the next. If one of the items in the circuit is broken then no current will flow through the circuit. Old style Christmas tree lights were often wired in series. If one bulb burned out, the whole string of lights went off.

Current in a series circuit

The current flowing through each of the components is the same. This can be written as I_T = I₁ = I₂, where I_T is the total current flow, I₁ is the current flowing through component 1, and I₂ is the current flowing through component 2. To measure the current flow an ammeter is connected to the components in series.

Voltage in a series circuit

As the current flowing through each of the components is the same, the voltage (energy required) to move this current through each of the components is proportional to the resistance of each component. It is the same across each component only if each has the same resistance. If V₁ is the voltage across component 1 and V₂ is the voltage across component 2, then the total voltage, V_T, is given by V_T = V₁ + V₂. The voltage can be measured across each component by connecting a voltmeter in parallel with the component.

See also parallel circuit.

Related category

• ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

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