written by: kailash nr · 2019-09-29 · — step 4 - series connection components connected in...

Electric Circuits - BasicCompare parallel and series circuits

Written By: Kailash NR

Electric Circuits - Basic Release: 1.1 [major] 2018-12-27Guide ID: 377 -

This document was generated on 2019-09-29 11:21:53 AM (MST).

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INTRODUCTION

Make a simple circuit using batteries and LEDs. Explore making and observing parallel and seriescircuits.

PARTS:Battery (2)

AAConnecting Wire (4)

5-10cm eachLED (2)

1 Green 1 RedBattery Holder (1)



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— Precautions

Be mindful of the battery terminals, they can heat up or momentarily spark if an electrical shortoccurs.

— Step 1 - Making of Battery Holder.

Follow the steps in this guide DIYBattery Holder - Foam and Spring.



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https://www.tactivity.in/Guide/DIY+Battery+Holder+-+Foam+and+Spring/456

— Step 2 - Circuit Diagram

Here we see a circuit diagram, which is a graphical representation of an electrical circuit. Thehighlighted object is an electronic symbol for an LED.

Now identify the polarity of the LEDs. The longer leg is positive.

— Step 3 - Making the Circuit

Connect the positive wire from the battery holder to the positive leg of the LED and the negativewire to the negative leg.

The LED should light up.



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— Step 4 - Series Connection

Components connected in series are connected along a single path, so the same current flowsthrough all of the components. Here the two Red LEDs are connected in series.

In order to achieve this, start by identifying the pins of both LEDs.

Connect wires to the terminals of one LED and connect the negative terminal of the first LED to thepositive terminal of the other.

— Step 5 - Connecting LEDs in series

Now connect the positive terminal of the first LED to the positive of the battery and the negative ofthe second LED to the negative of the battery.

In our case, the LEDs didn't light up when connected in series. Why might that be?



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— Step 6 - Parallel Connection

Components connected in parallel are connected along multiple paths, so the same voltage isapplied to each component. Here are two red LEDs connected in parallel.

Using wire, connect the positive of one LED to the positive of another LED and the negative of theLED to negative terminal.

— Step 7 - Connecting LEDs in Parallel

Now connect the positive and negative battery terminals to the positive and negative terminals ofthe red LED respectively to complete the circuit.

Both LEDs should light up brightly.



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— Troubleshooting

If the battery holder refuses to light an LED, check the contact between the LED pins and wires.

Be careful not to short the terminals of the batteries. If the batteries heat up while in the holder, thiscould indicate an electrical short circuit. Remove the batteries and check your connections.

— Observations

A series connection needs more input voltage with more LEDs. (True/False)

Current is exactly half if the same number of LEDs are used in parallel connection compared toseries. (True/False)

If we use more number of batteries we will be able to light up two LEDs in series. (True/False)

Batteries work exactly like LEDs, when connected in series or parallel. (True/False)

Household connections are all in series. (True/False)

Use the observation table to note down your observations; i.e. whether the LEDs light up in seriesor in parallel.



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— Variations

Try connecting two different colour LEDs in series.

Try connecting two different colour LEDs in parallel.

Try increasing the number of batteries in series and parallel.

To learn variations of electric circuits. Please visit this link Electric Circuits - Basic (Variations) .



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https://www.tactivity.in/Guide/Electric+Circuits+-+Basic+(Variations)/466

written by: kailash nr · 2019-09-29 · — step 4 - series connection components connected in...

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