Red Seal Construction Electrician Practice Exam

What is the key difference between series and parallel circuits?

1. In series, components share voltage; in parallel, they share current

2. In series, components are connected to the same voltage; in parallel, they are connected end-to-end

3. In series, components are connected end-to-end; in parallel, they are connected across the same voltage source

4. In series, components can function independently; in parallel, they cannot

The correct answer is: In series, components are connected end-to-end; in parallel, they are connected across the same voltage source

The key difference highlighted in the correct response revolves around how components are connected within the circuits. In a series circuit, the components are indeed connected end-to-end, meaning that the same current flows through each component, and the total voltage across the circuit is the sum of the individual voltages across each component. This configuration affects how failure impacts the circuit; if one component fails, the entire circuit is interrupted. Conversely, in a parallel circuit, components are connected across the same voltage source, allowing each component to operate independently of the others. While each branch receives the full source voltage, the total current flowing from the source is the sum of the currents through each parallel path. This independent operation means that if one component fails in a parallel configuration, the other components can continue to function normally. Understanding these configurations is crucial for electricians, as it influences not only circuit design but also troubleshooting and maintenance practices.