What Kinds of Circuits Are There?

What Kinds of Circuits Are What Kinds of Circuits Are There?There?

Many circuits have two or more objects in the circuit. How can these paths be set up?

One type of circuit has the two objects connected in a single path. This type of circuit is called a series circuit. In a series circuit, electricity can flow in only one way.

series circuitseries circuit

When both bulbs are in place in a series circuit, it is a closed circuit. When one bulb is removed, an open circuit is made. In an open circuit, current can’t complete its path. The remaining bulb does not light without current flowing through it. A series circuit does not work when a part is removed.

Another type of circuit has the two objects connected in a parallel circuit. A parallel circuit connects each object to the cell separately. There are two paths through which current can flow.

parallel circuitparallel circuit

When one bulb is removed from a parallel circuit, the other bulb is still a part of a complete circuit. That is why it remains lit. A parallel circuit still works when a part is removed because there is still a complete circuit.

Comparing Series and Parallel Comparing Series and Parallel Circuits with 2 BulbsCircuits with 2 Bulbs

Series Parallel

ConnectionBoth bulbs are on the same circuit.

Each bulb is on a separate circuit.

Removing one bulb

Both bulbs go off. Only the removed bulb goes off.

BrightnessDim Bright

Electrical devices in homes and other places are connected in parallel circuits. If they were series circuits, all the lights and appliances would come on every time you turned on one switch. Likewise, everything would turn off if one bulb burned out. Circuits in homes and other places are controlled by switches.

Compare and ContrastCompare and Contrast• How is a parallel circuit different from a

series circuit?

• How are the circuits similar?

• Create a graphic organizer comparing and contrasting both circuits.

What are two ways that a What are two ways that a circuit can be arranged?circuit can be arranged?

• Answer the question…– With a partner– In your Learning Notebook

series circuitseries circuit• A circuit in

which the objects are connected in a single path.

Back to text

parallel circuitparallel circuit

• A circuit in which each object is connected to the cell separately.

Back to text