Series circuit
A series circuit has components along one path, so the same current passes through each. Two resistors in series add to the total , while the supply is shared between them. An opening anywhere in that path interrupts current through both. Series describes the electrical connections, not whether the components look lined up on a drawing.
Where Series circuit fits in the learning path
The Electrical Science section covers these units:
- Circuit Fundamentals
Curriculum mapping: C&G 2365 Units 202/302.
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- Ohm's LawElectrical Science
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- Electrical Science — quiz previewFree · Electrical Science
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Low-resistance measurement proving that conductors which must be complete actually are. That means protective conductors back to the earthing terminal, bonding conductors to services, and the legs of ring final circuits. Performed dead with a low-ohm meter, it is the first step of the test sequence because everything after it assumes the earth path exists.
Continuity testing
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Continuity testing
Low-resistance measurement proving that conductors which must be complete actually are. That means protective conductors back to the earthing terminal, bonding conductors to services, and the legs of ring final circuits. Performed dead with a low-ohm meter, it is the first step of the test sequence because everything after it assumes the earth path exists.
Read the Continuity testing entryParallel circuit
A parallel circuit has branches connected across the same two points, so each branch has the same voltage across it. Current divides between branches according to their loads, then combines again. Two identical resistors in parallel have half the resistance of one. Parallel describes the connections; a ring final circuit is a wiring arrangement, not a synonym for any parallel circuit.
Read the Parallel circuit entryResistance
Resistance describes opposition to current that transfers electrical energy into heat, and is measured in ohms (Ω). For an ohmic component at a fixed temperature, greater resistance means less current at the same voltage. A heating element uses resistance deliberately; cable resistance also causes heating and voltage drop. Resistance is only one part of AC impedance.
Read the Resistance entryCurrent
Current is the rate at which electric charge flows, measured in amperes (A), often called amps. In a simple closed circuit, the supply drives current through the load and back to the source. Current is not used up by a lamp: energy is transferred there. A cable current rating describes how much current it can carry in stated conditions, not how much it always carries.
Read the Current entryElectrical connection workshop · free to try
Build a path. Break a path.
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