Series Circuits

Series Circuit Diagram

A series circuit is an electrical circuit configuration in which the components are connected end to end, forming a single path for current flow. In a series circuit, the same current flows through each component.

Key Characteristics of Series Circuits:

Voltage Across Components

Formula:

Vab = Va - Vb

Formula Breakdown:

In a series connection, the voltage across the components can be calculated using the formula Vab = Va - Vb, where Va represents the voltage at point A and Vb represents the voltage at point B.

Current Flow

Formula:

i1 = i2 = i3 = ... = in

Formula Breakdown:

In a series connection, the current flowing through each component is the same. Therefore, the current at any point in the series circuit is equal to the total current flowing through the circuit.

Total Tension (Voltage) Calculation

Formula:

Total Tension = V1 + V2 + V3 + ... + Vn

Formula Breakdown:

In a series connection, the total tension (voltage) across the circuit is equal to the sum of the individual voltages at each resistance. This means that the total tension is calculated by adding up the voltages across each component in the series connection.

Total Resistance Calculation

Formula:

Total Resistance = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... + Rn

Formula Breakdown:

In a series connection, the total resistance is equal to the sum of the individual resistances. This means that to determine the total resistance, you need to add up the resistance values of each component in the series connection.

Voltage Divider

The voltage divider principle is applicable in a series circuit. It is a common circuit configuration used to obtain a specific voltage output from a given input voltage. By using resistors with different resistance values in series, it is possible to create specific voltage drops across each resistor.

Use the calculator below to calculate the output voltage in a voltage divider circuit.

The voltage divider formula calculates the output voltage (Vout) in a voltage divider circuit:

Formula:

Vout = (R2 / (R1 + R2)) * Vin

Formula Breakdown:

Calculator