Series Circuit Applications

Current in Series Circuits

In previous sections the concept of Current flow was discussed. Current is the flow of charge through a circuit and is measured using an Ammeter. The following diagram shows a simple Series circuit with several Ammeters placed throughout:-

In the above circuit, there are two lamps in series with a switch. There are 3 Ammeters in the positions shown.

As the flow of Charge cannot change throughout the circuit (it cannot 'leak out'), the reading on all three Ammeters will be the same.

For a series circuit, the Current will be the same at all points.

A1 = A2 = A3

Voltage in Series Circuits

In previous sections the concept of Voltage was discussed. Voltage is the Energy per unit Charge supplied by the battery and is measured using a Voltmeter. The following diagram shows a simple Series circuit with several Voltmeters placed throughout:-

In the Above Circuit, there are Two Lamps in Series with a switch. There are three Voltmeters in the positions shown.

The Energy supplied to each Coulomb of Charge must be enough for the Charge to make a full trip round the circuit. This means that each component will use part of this energy.

For a Series circuit, the Voltage at each point will add up to the Supply Voltage.

Vs = V1 + V2 

Resistance in Series Circuits

In previous sections the concept of Resistance was discussed. Resistance is a measure of how difficult it is for Current to flow. As each Resistor placed in Series acts to reduce the flow of Charge, their effect is to give an overall larger resistance.

For a series circuit, the Resistance at each point will add up to the total Resistance.

Note - This will continue for as many Resistors as are added, hence the '...'