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Series Circuit

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A circuit with all components connected end-to-end such that there is only one path of current flow is a series circuit.

RESISTANCE IN SERIES CIRCUITS

The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances in a series circuit.

CURRENT IN SERIES CIRCUITS

The same current flows through all components in a series circuit. The total current is equal the current flow of any individual component.

VOLTAGE IN SERIES CIRCUITS

The total voltage is the sum of the voltage drop of each component in a series circuit.

The voltage drop across a resistor in a series circuit is proportional to the ohmic value of the resistor.

POWER IN SERIES CIRCUITS

The total power is the sum of the individual power of each component in a series circuit.

SERIES CIRCUIT ANALYSIS

  1. Observe the circuit diagram carefully, or draw one if necessary.
  2. Note the given values and the values to be found.
  3. Select the appropriate equations to be used in solving for the unknown quantities based on the known quantities.
  4. Substitute the known values in the equation you have selected and solve for the unknown value.

VOLTAGE POLARITY AND REFERENCES

Polarity (whether a point has positive or negative voltage potential) is relative based on the point of reference in a circuit.

Ground

An electrical ground utilizes the earth or an equipment chassis as a reservoir of charge, which is normally considered to be zero volts.

TROUBLESHOOTING SERIES CIRCUITS

Troubleshooting is the process of locating faulting components or connections within a circuit.

  1. Analyze the symptom
  2. Locate obvious problems
  3. Localize the problem
  4. Replace defective components

Troubleshooting Open Circuits

An open circuit has infinite resistance. In a series circuit an open causes current to cease to flow through any of the components.

Troubleshooting Short Circuits

An short causes current to bypass has infinite resistance. In a series circuit an open causes current to cease to flow.

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