Series and Parallel Circuits

This tutorial introduces series and parallel circuits, the similarities and differences by using the same components and comparing the results

VIDEOSeriesParallel

Decorative: LEDs laid out in the shape of an M

Material

  • Battery or USB Buck converter (providing 3 volts)
  • Fan blocks (with two wires each) built in series
  • Fan blocks (with two wires each) built in parallel)
  • Conductive Tape
  • Light TapeBlock

Decorative: LEDs laid out in the shape of a long I

Instruction

  • SERIES CIRCUIT
  • Set Up the Circuit: Connect the positive terminal of the power source (red wire) to one side of the fan block. Connect the other side of the fan block back to the negative terminal (black wire) of the power source.
  • Add More Components: To add a second fan block, connect it in the same manner, ensuring the circuit goes from the power source, through the first fan, then through the second fan, and back to the power source.
  • Observe the Behavior: Notice that as you add more fan blocks, the fans slow down. This is because the power is shared among all components in the series circuit.
  • Break the Circuit: If you disconnect one wire in the series circuit, the entire circuit will stop working. This demonstrates that a break anywhere in a series circuit stops the flow of electricity.
  • PARALLEL CIRCUIT
  • Set Up the Circuit: Connect the positive terminal of the power source to one side of the first fan block. Connect the other side of the fan block back to the negative terminal of the power source.
  • Add More Components: To add a second fan block, connect it in parallel to the first fan block. This means connecting both the positive and negative terminals of the second fan block directly to the power source.
  • Observe the Behavior: Notice that as you add more fan blocks, the fans do not slow down. Each fan receives the full voltage from the power source.
  • Break the Circuit: If you disconnect one wire in the parallel circuit, the other fan blocks will continue to work. This demonstrates that a break in one branch of a parallel circuit does not stop the flow of electricity in other branches
  • KEY DIFFERENCES
  • Series Circuit: All components share the same current. A break anywhere stops the entire circuit.
  • Parallel Circuit: Each component has its own direct path to the power source. A break in one path does not affect the others.
Decorative: LEDs laid out in the shape of a P

Problem Solving

  • Check that the power source is working
  • Check all connections and directions
  • In a series circuit if more than one components will not work it may be because there is not enough power