Difference between Series and Parallel Circuits table Class 10

by Remedial Classes on December 13, 2023 in Class10

In this post, we will discuss the difference between series and parallel combinations of resistors belonging to Class 10 Science Chapter 12 Electricity.

You can also download a PDF for the topic.

Series and Parallel Circuits

Difference between Series and Parallel Combination

We know that electrical and electronic devices draw electric current from an energy source. We can connect these devices in two basic ways.

These devices can be connected either in a series or parallel combination.

So basically we have two types of combinations

(i) Series combination

(ii) Parallel combination

What is a series combination?

In this combination, all the resistors(elements) are connected to each other with end to end in contact. Each end of a resistor is connected with different resistors. Current flows through one single path.

What is a parallel combination?

In this combination, the starting nodes of all resistors(elements) are connected at a common point, and ending nodes are connected at another common point. Current flows through different paths.

Diagram of series combination of resistors

Diagram of the Parallel combination of resistors

Table: Difference between Series and Parallel combination

S.N.	Series combination	Parallel combination
1	Current flows through a single path.	Current flows through different paths.
2	Components are connected in such a way that the tail of one component is attached to the head of another.	Components are connected in such a way that the heads of all components are attached and the tails of components are attached.
3	The value of the current remains constant in each component.	The value of current is distributed in components according to the resistance they offer.
4	The voltage across the ends of all components is different.	The voltage across the ends of all components remains the same.
5	The total value of capacitance decreases.	The total value of capacitance increases.
6	Total or equivalent resistance is the sum of all resistances. R= R₁ + R₂ + R₃	Total resistance is less than the lowest resistance of any components. `1/R=1/R_1 +1/R_2 +1/R_3`
7	If one component stops working, the whole circuit stops working.	If one component stops working, the remaining circuit keeps working.