GOVERNMENT OF LUANDA PROVINCE
INDUSTRIAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE OF VIANA
ENERGY AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
SERIES CIRCUIT
INSTRUCTOR
ANDRÉ MATEUS
LUANDA
2025
N NAMES OF THE STUDENTS GRADE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT INDIVIDUAL GRADE
°
07 ANTÓNIO MACUMBANGE
13 DÉLCIO VAZ
19 ELIAS MARQUES
32 NIVALDO AGOSTINHO
34 RAIMUNDO LUÍS
36 TELMO MASSAQUI
Group: 04
12th grade
Class: AT
Course: Energy and Electrical Installations
Field of study: Electricity
Luanda
2025
Abstract
A series circuit is a type of electrical circuit where all parts are connected one after another in
a single path. The same current flows through every part, but the voltage is shared between
the components. The total resistance is just the sum of all resistors. These circuits are easy to
build, but if one-part stops working, the whole circuit shuts down. Learning about series
circuits helps us understand the basics of electricity.
Introduction
An electrical circuit is a closed path that allows electric current to flow. Among the different
types of circuits, the series circuit is notable for its simple structure and for having all
components connected in sequence. This paper will explore the main characteristics,
applications, advantages, and disadvantages of series circuits, as well as their differences
compared to parallel circuits.
Development
A series circuit is a type of connection where electrical components are connected one after
the other, forming a single path for the electric current. This means that the same current
flows through each component in the circuit. In this type of circuit, the voltage is divided
across the components, while the current remains the same throughout the circuit. A key
characteristic is that if one component fails or is disconnected, the entire circuit stops
functioning. This is because the current cannot flow through the broken path. (As illustrated
in Figure 1).
Figure 1 – Representation of a parallel circuit.
Series circuits have a set of specific characteristics that distinguish them from other
configurations. The main characteristics are:
Single path: The electric current flows through only one path, passing through all the
components.
Constant current: The electric current is the same through all the components of the
circuit. Formula: It= I1 = I2 = I3 = In…
Variable voltage: The voltage may vary depending on the resistance of each
component. Formula: Ut= U1 + U2 + U3 + U4…
Component dependency: If one component fails, the entire circuit is interrupted.
Equivalent resistance: The total resistance of the circuit is the sum of the individual
resistances of each component. Formula: Rt= R1 + R2 + R3 + Rn…
Now that we understand the characteristics of series circuits, we can look at where they are
commonly used:
Christmas lights: If one bulb goes out, the whole string turns off, showing component
dependency.
Testing equipment: Used to measure current or voltage drops.
Safety devices: Fuses in series cut power when a fault occurs, protecting the system.
Simple battery-powered devices: Flashlights often use series circuits, where multiple
batteries increase the total voltage to power the bulb.
Series circuits offer some benefits, especially in simple or specific applications. The main
advantages include:
Simplicity: Easy to build, great for learning and experiments.
Less wiring: components are connected in a single path, requiring fewer wires.
Equal current: the same current flow through all components.
Easier control: one switch can turn the entire circuit on or off.
While series circuits have some benefits, they also come with significant limitations. The
main disadvantages include:
Component dependency: If one component fails or is disconnected, the entire circuit
stops working.
Non-uniform voltage distribution: Voltage is divided among components, which may
not be ideal for devices that require a specific voltage.
Limited applications and reduced efficiency: High resistance and lack of independent
control make series circuits unsuitable for complex systems.
To better understand the differences between series and parallel circuits, the table
below compares their main characteristics, such as voltage, current behavior, and
response to component failure.
Criterion Series circuit Parallel circuit
Voltage Divided among the Same across all components
components
Current Same through all Divided among the branches
components
Failure One failure interrupts the One burned component
entire circuit doesn't affect the others
.
Conclusion
In conclusion, series circuits allow current to flow through a single path, resulting in the same
current across all components but divided voltage. They are simple and require less wiring,
making them suitable for basic applications like flashlights. However, their dependence on
each component makes them less reliable than parallel circuits for complex systems.
