Series and Parallel Circuits

Type of Circuits
 There are basically two types of circuits:
  • Series Circuits
  • Parallel Circuits
 Series Circuits
In series circuits there is one path for current flow.
This is an example of series circuit
 
 Parallel circuits
In parallel circuits there could be two or more paths for current flow
This is an example of a parallel circuit
 
We use standard symbols to draw electronic circuits or schematics.
Here are some of the standard symbols used.
Component
Symbol
Light Bulb
Resistor
Battery
Diode
LED  
Switches   
Wire  
 
REVIEW EXERCISES
A. Find the resistance for the following resistors and state the high/low range for each.
1. brown, black, red, gold 
2. orange, yellow, red, silver 
3. blue, black, green, silver
B.Draw a circuit diagram, using proper symbols to show the following
  1. A series circuit with a battery, an ammeter, and a light bulb
  2. A parallel circuit with a battery, a voltmeter, an a light bulb