Parallel Circuit

Definition

A parallel circuit is an electrical circuit in which components are connected along multiple paths, allowing current to flow through different branches simultaneously. This type of circuit configuration is characterized by a common voltage across all the components and the ability to add or remove individual components without affecting the operation of the others.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a parallel circuit, the current divides among the various branches, with the amount of current in each branch inversely proportional to the resistance of that branch.
2. The voltage across each component in a parallel circuit is the same, and it is equal to the source voltage.
3. The total current in a parallel circuit is the sum of the currents in the individual branches.
4. The equivalent resistance of a parallel circuit is always less than the smallest individual resistance in the circuit.
5. Parallel circuits are commonly used in household wiring, where each electrical device is connected to the power source in a parallel configuration.

Review Questions

• Explain how the current divides among the branches in a parallel circuit and how this affects the overall resistance of the circuit.
  • In a parallel circuit, the current divides among the various branches, with the amount of current in each branch inversely proportional to the resistance of that branch. This means that the branch with the lowest resistance will carry the most current, while the branches with higher resistance will carry less current. The overall resistance of a parallel circuit is always less than the smallest individual resistance in the circuit, as the current can flow through multiple paths simultaneously, effectively reducing the total resistance.
• Describe how the voltage and current relationships in a parallel circuit differ from those in a series circuit.
  • In a parallel circuit, the voltage is the same across all the components, as they are connected to the same voltage source. This is in contrast to a series circuit, where the voltage drops across each component are added together. Additionally, in a parallel circuit, the current divides among the branches, while in a series circuit, the current is the same through all the components. These differences in voltage and current relationships are key distinguishing features between parallel and series circuits.
• Analyze how the power dissipation in a parallel circuit is affected by changes in the individual resistances or the addition/removal of components.
  • In a parallel circuit, the power dissipation in each branch is determined by the voltage across the branch and the current flowing through it, as given by the formula $P = IV$. If the resistance of a branch changes, the current in that branch will also change, which will affect the power dissipation in that branch. Similarly, adding or removing a component in a parallel circuit will alter the current distribution and, consequently, the power dissipation in the remaining branches. This flexibility in power distribution is a key advantage of parallel circuits, as it allows for the independent control and management of power consumption in different parts of the circuit.

Related terms

Series Circuit: A series circuit is an electrical circuit in which components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path for the current to flow through.

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law: Kirchhoff's Voltage Law states that the sum of the voltage drops across all the components in a closed loop of a circuit must equal the sum of the voltage sources in that loop.

Equivalent Resistance: The equivalent resistance of a parallel circuit is the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances in the circuit.