Series vs. Parallel
5. Two Ways to Connect, Two Different Outcomes
Now that we've covered series connections, it's worth briefly mentioning parallel connections as well. These are two fundamentally different ways of connecting voltage sources, and they have very different effects on the overall circuit. In a series connection, as we've discussed, the voltages add up, while the current remains the same. In a parallel connection, the voltage remains the same, but the currents add up.
Think of parallel connections like having multiple lanes on a highway. Each lane can handle a certain amount of traffic (current), and by adding more lanes, you can increase the total amount of traffic that the highway can handle. Similarly, by connecting voltage sources in parallel, you can increase the total current that the circuit can draw, without changing the voltage.
Parallel connections are commonly used in situations where you need to increase the current capacity of a power source, such as in battery packs for electric vehicles or in power supplies for high-power electronic devices. By connecting multiple battery cells or power supply units in parallel, you can deliver the necessary current to power the device without overloading any single component.
So, to summarize: series connections increase voltage, while parallel connections increase current. Knowing the difference between these two types of connections is essential for designing and troubleshooting electrical circuits. Choosing the right connection method depends on the specific requirements of the circuit and the desired outcome.
