Circuits (parallel and series)

     A parallel circuit is a circuit that divides into two or more paths before coming together again.  

     A series circuit is connected along one path.  

Series circuites are connected on one path therefore the resistors that occur on the circuit get all the same current.  In order to find the Req we need to know what Req is.  Req is equivalent resistance.  Equivalent resistance is a resistance that represents the total ohmic value on the circuit.  So if there are 3 resistors on a circuit, and each has a value of 10 ohms, then to find Req, all we have to do is add them up.  

R1 + R2 + R3= Req

10Ω+10Ω+10Ω=30Ω

So for this particular equation our Req would be 30Ω.  

Parallel circuits are different from series circuits.  One of the major differences is that if a resistor in a parallel circuit gets cut off from the rest, the current would still flow. Also, the circuit in a parallel is divided into different branches.   We can see parallel circuits in our everyday life, for example this surge protecter is connected by a parallel circuit.