Series vs parallel
Series vs parallel is an interactive experiment in Circuit Builder, a free simulation from StudyFi Lab that runs right in your browser.
On the left, two equal bulbs are in series: they share the battery voltage, each gets U/2, the current is halved and each glows with only a quarter of the power (P = U²/R). On the right they are in parallel: each gets the full voltage, glows fully, and the battery delivers twice the current, because R = R₁·R₂/(R₁ + R₂).
Try this: Compare ammeters A1 and A2. Then remove one bulb on each side: in series both go out, in parallel the other keeps glowing.
Frequently asked questions
What does the “Series vs parallel” experiment show?
On the left, two equal bulbs are in series: they share the battery voltage, each gets U/2, the current is halved and each glows with only a quarter of the power (P = U²/R). On the right they are in parallel: each gets the full voltage, glows fully, and the battery delivers twice the current, because R = R₁·R₂/(R₁ + R₂).
How do I try “Series vs parallel”?
Compare ammeters A1 and A2. Then remove one bulb on each side: in series both go out, in parallel the other keeps glowing.
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