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.

V_s = V₁ + V₂