Complex Circuits

Unit 9 - Complex Circuits

By S Harris

I know...

• the difference between a series (simple) and a parallel circuit​'s schematic diagram

​​Learning Target​

I can...

• explain the advantages and disadvantages of a series and parallel circuit

​​​Success Criteria​

​

Most real circuits happen to be more complex than just open and closed circuits (simple circuits)

• the complex cicuits contain multiple power sources and multiple wire pathways.​

Circuits

• circuits with only 1 path for electrons to travel (just like the simple circuits)

• these are used in devices such as:

  • flashlights

  • lamps

  • refrigerators​

Series Circuits

• Pros

  • each part of the circuit is wired one after the other (so it is very easy to set up) and this allows a constant current to be produced

    • the devices don't overheat easily

Series Circuit Pros/Cons

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• Cons

  • when any part of a series circuit is disconnected, the current is not able to flow (it is an open circuit)

Series Circuit Pros/Cons

​

• electricity is cut off from ALL parts of the circuit

• dimming lights (resistance is increasing)

  • you need more batteries to keep the lights in series bright

​​

Open Ended

What would happen in your home if it used a series circuit and you turned off one light?

• These circuits have multiple paths for electrons to travel (unlike the simple circuits)

• these are used in:

  • our homes

  • businesses

  • voltmeters

Parallel Circuits​

• Pros

  • the parts of the circuit are on separate branches

Parallel Circuit Pros/Cons

​

• breaks in the circuit (such as an unscrewed lightbulb or burned out light) will not stop the flow of electricity to the rest of the circuit

• the lightbulbs will have the same brightness with less batteries (because resistance is not decreasing)

  • more paths = less resistance​

• Cons

  • the current is not consistent

    • energy is used up quicker

    • the devices can overheat faster (causing fires because of hot wires)

Parallel Circuit Pros/Cons

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