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Parallel connection

A parallel connection in electrical circuits allows components to share the same voltage while providing multiple paths for current flow, with varying currents based on resistance. Key advantages include constant voltage across components, independence from component failure, and lower total resistance, while disadvantages involve increased total current and potential overload. Common applications include household wiring, lighting systems, and battery configurations.

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Parallel connection

A parallel connection in electrical circuits allows components to share the same voltage while providing multiple paths for current flow, with varying currents based on resistance. Key advantages include constant voltage across components, independence from component failure, and lower total resistance, while disadvantages involve increased total current and potential overload. Common applications include household wiring, lighting systems, and battery configurations.

Uploaded by

mariaeloisa.9140
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A parallel connection refers to an electrical circuit configuration where components are

connected across the same two points, providing multiple paths for the current to flow. In a
parallel circuit, the voltage across each component is the same, but the current can vary
depending on the impedance or resistance of each branch. This is different from a series
connection, where components share a single path for current.

Key Characteristics of Parallel Circuits

1. Same Voltage Across All Components: In a parallel circuit, each component (resistor,
capacitor, inductor, etc.) has the same voltage across it. This is because all components
are connected directly across the power source.

o For example, if the power supply is 12 V, then each resistor or other component
connected in parallel will have 12 V across it.

2. Different Current Through Each Branch: The current through each component in a
parallel circuit can vary based on its resistance or impedance. The total current supplied
by the source is the sum of the currents through each branch.

o Example: If the current through one branch is 2 A and through another branch is
3 A, the total current supplied by the source is 5 A.

3. Total Resistance: The total resistance of a parallel circuit is always less than the smallest
resistance in the circuit. The total resistance RtotalR_{total} can be calculated using the
formula:

1Rtotal=1R1+1R2+1R3+…\frac{1}{R_{total}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} + \


dots

where R1R_1, R2R_2, and R3R_3 are the resistances of individual resistors in parallel.

o Example: If two resistors R1=4 ΩR_1 = 4 \, \Omega and R2=6 ΩR_2 = 6 \, \Omega
are connected in parallel: 1Rtotal=14 Ω+16 Ω=312+212=512\frac{1}{R_{total}} = \
frac{1}{4 \, \Omega} + \frac{1}{6 \, \Omega} = \frac{3}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{5}
{12} So, Rtotal=125=2.4 ΩR_{total} = \frac{12}{5} = 2.4 \, \Omega The total
resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance.

4. Total Current: The total current in a parallel circuit is the sum of the currents through
each individual branch.

Itotal=I1+I2+I3+…I_{total} = I_1 + I_2 + I_3 + \dots

where I1I_1, I2I_2, and I3I_3 are the currents through individual components.
5. Independence of Components: If one component in a parallel circuit fails (e.g., a resistor
burns out or a switch opens), the remaining components continue to function because
the other branches remain connected to the power source.

Applications of Parallel Circuits

 Household Wiring: Electrical appliances in homes are usually connected in parallel so


that each appliance gets the same voltage, and one appliance’s failure doesn’t affect the
others.

 Lighting Systems: In most homes, lights are connected in parallel so that each light
operates independently and gets the same voltage.

 Battery Connections: Batteries connected in parallel increase the total available current
without changing the voltage. This is used in devices requiring higher current capacity.

 Circuit Protection: Parallel circuits allow for easier troubleshooting and circuit protection
because each branch is independent.

Advantages of Parallel Circuits

1. Constant Voltage: Each component in a parallel circuit receives the same voltage, which
is crucial for devices that need a specific voltage to operate (e.g., lights, electronics).

2. Independence: If one component fails, the rest of the circuit continues to work, which
improves the reliability of the system.

3. Flexibility: Adding more components (resistors, lamps, etc.) in parallel does not affect
the voltage across the existing components, making it easy to expand the circuit.

4. Lower Total Resistance: In parallel circuits, the total resistance decreases as more
branches are added, which can be useful for distributing current more effectively.

Disadvantages of Parallel Circuits

1. Increased Total Current: Adding more components in parallel increases the total current
drawn from the source, which can lead to higher power consumption.

2. Complexity in Design: As more branches are added, the circuit design may become more
complex.

3. Potential for Overload: If too many components are added in parallel without
considering the source’s current limits, it may cause overloading and potential failure of
the power supply.

Example of a Simple Parallel Circuit with Resistors


Let's say we have a 12 V battery and two resistors connected in parallel: R1=4 ΩR_1 = 4 \, \
Omega and R2=6 ΩR_2 = 6 \, \Omega.

1. Total Resistance:

1Rtotal=1R1+1R2=14 Ω+16 Ω=312+212=512\frac{1}{R_{total}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} = \


frac{1}{4 \, \Omega} + \frac{1}{6 \, \Omega} = \frac{3}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{5}{12}

Therefore,

Rtotal=125=2.4 ΩR_{total} = \frac{12}{5} = 2.4 \, \Omega

2. Total Current (using Ohm’s law I=VRI = \frac{V}{R}):

Itotal=VtotalRtotal=12 V2.4 Ω=5 AI_{total} = \frac{V_{total}}{R_{total}} = \frac{12 \, \text{V}}


{2.4 \, \Omega} = 5 \, \text{A}

The total current supplied by the source is 5 A.

3. Current Through Each Resistor:

o Current through R1R_1 (using Ohm’s law I=VRI = \frac{V}{R}): I1=VtotalR1=12 V4


Ω=3 AI_1 = \frac{V_{total}}{R_1} = \frac{12 \, \text{V}}{4 \, \Omega} = 3 \, \text{A}

o Current through R2R_2: I2=VtotalR2=12 V6 Ω=2 AI_2 = \frac{V_{total}}{R_2} = \


frac{12 \, \text{V}}{6 \, \Omega} = 2 \, \text{A}

4. Verification: The total current is the sum of the individual currents:

Itotal=I1+I2=3 A+2 A=5 AI_{total} = I_1 + I_2 = 3 \, \text{A} + 2 \, \text{A} = 5 \, \text{A}

This matches the total current we calculated earlier.

Conclusion

A parallel connection is a widely used configuration in electrical circuits where components


share the same voltage but may carry different currents. It has key advantages such as ensuring
each component gets the same voltage and maintaining the functionality of the circuit even if
one component fails. It is commonly used in household wiring, battery configurations, and other
systems where independent operation of components is desired.

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