5 Differences between Series and Parallel Circuits [Important Question for Interview]
Series and Parallel connections are two basic configurations of electrical circuits. Today you’ll learn the difference between both.
Question: Explain the basic difference between Series and parallel circuits?
Answer: A series circuit comprises of the head to head connection between two components. Current always remains in such circuits while the voltage divides among series components.
A parallel circuit configuration involves two or more components in which one end of all components share a common node and other end shares another common node.
List of all important questions for Electrical Engineering Interviews.
Connections
Series components share one single node and there is no other connection. In simple terms, the head of one component connects to the tail of other one and there is no other connection in between them.
On the other hand heads of all parallel components share one common node, and tail shares other common nodes.
Voltage
The input voltage is divided into series components.
The voltage across parallel components always equals the applied input voltage.
Current
Current always remains same in series components.
Current is shared between the parallel connected devices.
Limitations
A damaged component in series circuit opens the overall circuit thus abolishing the current flow through the circuit.
In a parallel circuit, a damaged component opens the branch, other parts of circuit remain intact.
Resistance
Series resistors are simply added to obtain the equivalent resistance.
Parallel resistors require a specific formula for appropriate solution.
The table below summarizes the above explanation in tabulated form along with useful formulae:
Other Basic Electrical Engineering Questions:
- Difference between AC and DC
- On what factor does the size of resistor depend
- What is the loading effect of instruments
- Brown Black Red bands indicate
- What is conductance of 0.5 ohms resistor
