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Series and Parallel Connections

<^< Introduction: Passive Circuits | Course Index | Kirchoff's Laws >^>

Before delving into more complex circuits, it is essential to understand the two different ways of connecting components: either in "series" or "parallel". Furthermore, whilst combinations of series and parallel connections are used in more complex circuits, it should always be possible to say whether a component is connected in series or in parallel with another.

Also, it is important to be aware that:

(a) in a series circuit the same current flows through each of the series connected components

(b) in a parallel circuit the same voltage drop appears across the parallel connected components.

Finally, it is important to remember that the foregoing statements apply no matter what type or mixture of components are used.

<^< Introduction: Passive Circuits | Course index | Kirchoff's Laws >^>