This document compares and contrasts series and parallel circuits. A series circuit connects components one after another in a single loop, so there is only one current path and all components experience the same current. If one component in a series circuit fails, the entire circuit is broken. A parallel circuit splits into multiple branches, allowing more than one current path, so individual components can fail without affecting the whole circuit. Parallel circuits are more commonly used for household and classroom lighting because if one light bulb burns out, the others will still work.

1. Circuits
Series vs Parallel

2. Spot the differences

3. Series Circuit
 A series circuit is one
that connects an
electrical source with
its components one
after another,
forming one single
loop.

4. Series Circuit
 There is only one path for the current to
flow through.
 The current flows through the first bulb,
then through the next bulb, to light up all
the bulbs.

5. Disadvantage of a series circuit
 If one of the bulbs is
taken out or damaged,
the other bulb will not
light up.
 Why not?
-Open circuit
-Electricity cannot pass
through the circuit.

7. Parallel circuit
 A parallel circuit is one
that splits into two or
more branches.

8. Parallel circuit
 There is more than one path for the current
to flow through.
 Some current passes through one bulb and
the rest flows through the other bulb.

9. Advantage of Parallel circuits
 If one of the bulbs is
taken out or
damaged, the other
bulb will still light
up.
 Why?
- One part of the circuit is
still closed.

11. Series circuit Parallel circuit
Each single component is joined
one after the other to form a single
path
Divides into two or more branches
and has electrical components in
each branch
Current flowing through each of the
components is the same
Current flowing through the
components in the different
branches may not be the same
Arrangement of circuits

12. Lighting at home
 What kind of circuit is more commonly
used?
Vote:
Series circuit – Raise left hand
Parallel circuit – Raise right hand

13. Why use parallel circuit in the
household lighting?
 If one bulb is damaged or switched
off, the other bulb can still work.

14. How about your classroom
lighting?
Parallel circuits