Series vs Parallel Circuits
Series circuits create a single path for electricity to flow around. In these circuits, current stays the same throughout, but voltage gets shared between components. If one bulb breaks in a series circuit, they all go out - like old Christmas lights!
Parallel circuits create multiple branches for current to flow through. Here, voltage remains the same across all branches, but current gets divided between them. This is why your house lights stay on even when one bulb breaks.
The key rule for parallel circuits is that total current into a junction equals the total current in each branch. This makes parallel circuits much more practical for most electrical applications.
Understanding these circuit types helps you work out the energy transfer formula: E = QV, where energy (joules) equals charge (coulombs) times voltage (volts).
Circuit Hack: Series circuits share voltage but keep current constant; parallel circuits share current but keep voltage constant!