Series and parallel networks
It is important to be able to analyse an electrical circuit, i.e. to calculate the currents and potential differences (p.d.s) within a circuit. There are two ways of connecting circuits. One way is ‘in series’, where the components are connected end to end, and the other way is ‘in parallel’, where the components are connected across each other. Often a circuit is a mixture of both series and parallel connections. This chapter shows how currents and voltages are calculated in series, parallel and seriesparallel circuits, including using voltage and current division. Advantages and disadvantages of series and parallel connection of lamps is also described.