Lesson 2: Basic Circuit Theory

BASIC CIRCUITS

Introduction This lesson covers basic direct current theory by reviewing the three basic types types of electrical circuits and the laws that apply to each type circuit: Series Circuits Parallel Circuits Series-Parallel Circuits Objectives At the completion of this lesson, the student will be able to: Given examples of series, parallel, and series-parallel circuit, explain the basic laws of d.c. circuits. Calculate current flow, circuit resistance and voltage drops. Draw and explain equivalent circuits and their applications.

Lesson 2: Basic Circuit Theory

Unit 2 Lesson 2

2-2-2

Electrical Fundamentals

Fuse

Fig. 2.2.1 Series Circuit

Series Circuit A series circuit is the simplest kind of circuit. In a series circuit, each electrical device is connected to other electrical devices in such a way that there is only one path for current to flow. In the circuit shown here, current flows from the battery (+) through a fuse (protection device) and a switch (control device) to the lamp (load) and then returns to frame ground. All circuit devices and components are connected in series. The following rules apply to all series circuits: At any given point in the circuit the current value is the same. The total circuit resistance is equal to the sum of all the individual resistances and is called an equivalent resistance. The voltage drop across all circuit loads are equal to the applied source voltage. A simple way to express these series circuit rules are: Voltage is the SUM of all voltage drops. Current is the SAME at any given point in the circuit. Resistance is the SUM of all individual resistances.

Unit 2 Lesson 2

2-2-3

Electrical Fundamentals

Applying the Rules

3 R1 + 12V + 12V -

3 R2 R3 6

Fig. 2.2.2 Series Circuit

Draw the above circuit on the board. Explain the following circuit parameters. The circuit is made up of various devices and components, including a 24 volt power source. Since two of the circuit values are given, solving for the unknown value is simple, if the basic laws of series circuits are applied. The first step in solving the above circuit is to determine the total circuit resistance. The following equation is used for determining total resistance: Rt = R1 + R2 + R3, or Rt = 3 + 3 + 6, or Rt = 12. Since the value for the power source was given as 24 volts and the circuit resistance has been calculated as 12, the only value remaining to calculate is the current flow. Total circuit current is calculated by using the Ohms Law Circle and writing the following equation: I = E/R, or I = 24V/12, or I = 2 amperes. The remaining step is to plug the value for current flow into each of the resistive loads. One of the rules for series circuits stated that current was the SAME at any given point. Using the equation E = IxR for each resistor will determine the voltage drop across each load. The following voltage drops are: E1 = 2A x 3 = 6V E2 = 2A x 3 = 6V E3 = 2A x 6 = 12V All of the circuit values have now been calculated. Using the Ohms Law Circle, verify each answer.

Unit 2 Instructor Copy Exercise 2.2.1

-1-

Electrical Fundamentals

Name ______________________________

Understanding Series Circuits

500 mA
A

12 R1

24 R2 R3 ? ____

+ 12V

+ 12V

R4

Fig. 2.2.3 Series Circuit

Series Circuit Use the Ohms Law Circle and the rules for series circuits to calculate the unknown values. In the space below the question, write the equation used to solve the problem and show all mathematical steps.

1. What is the voltage drop across R4? 2 volts

2. What is the total circuit resistance? 48 ohms

3. What is the voltage drop across R1? 6 volts

4.What is the voltage drop across switch S1? 0 volts

5. What is the current flow through resistor R3? .5 amps

6. A voltmeter placed across R2 reads? 12 volts

Instructor Copy: Exercise 2.2.1

Unit 2 Student Copy Exercise 2.2.1

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Electrical Fundamentals

Name ______________________________

Understanding Series Circuits

500 mA
A

12 R1

24 R2 R3 ? ____

+ 12V

+ 12V

R4

Fig. 2.2.3 Series Circuit

Series Circuit Use the Ohms Law Circle and the rules for series circuits to calculate the unknown values. In the space below the question, write the equation used to solve the problem and show all mathematical steps.

1. What is the voltage drop across R4? _______volts

2. What is the total circuit resistance? ________ ohms

3. What is the voltage drop across R1? __________ volts

4.What is the voltage drop across switch S1? ________volts

5. What is the current flow through resistor R3? ______amps

6. A voltmeter placed across resistor R2 reads?________volts

Student Copy: Exercise 2.2.1

Unit 2 Lesson 2

2-2-4

Electrical Fundamentals

Fuse

Fig. 2.2.4 Parallel Circuit

Parallel Circuit A parallel circuit is more complex than a series circuit because there is more than one path for current to flow. Each current path is called a branch. Because all branches connect to the same positive and negative terminal, they will all have the same voltage; each branch drops the same amount of voltage, regardless of resistance within the branch. The current flow in each branch can be different, depending on the resistance. Total current in the circuit equals the sum of the branch currents. The total resistance is always less than the smallest resistance in any branch. In the circuit shown in Figure 2.2.4, current flows from the battery through a fuse and switch, and then divides into two branches, each containing a lamp. Each branch is connected to frame ground. The following rules apply to parallel circuits: The voltage is the same in each parallel branch. The total current is the sum of each individual branch currents. The equivalent resistance is equal to the applied voltage divided by the total current, and is ALWAYS less than the smallest resistance in any one branch. A simple way to express these parallel rules are: Voltage is the SAME for all branches. Current is the SUM of the individual branch currents. Equivalent resistance is SMALLER than the smallest resistance of any individual branch.

Unit 2 Lesson 2

2-2-5

Electrical Fundamentals

Fuse

+ 24V

Fig. 2.2.5 Circuit

The circuit is made up of various devices and components, including a 24 volt power source. The resistance of each lamp is given along with the value of source voltage. Before applying the basic laws of parallel circuits it will be necessary to determine an equivalent resistance to replace the two 4 ohm parallel branches. The first step in developing an equivalent circuit is to apply the basic rules for determining the total resistance of the two parallel branches. Remember, the total resistance of the combined branches will be smaller than the smallest resistance of an individual branch. The circuit above has two parallel branches, each with a 4 lamp, therefore, the total resistance will be less than 4 . The following equation is used to solve for total resistance. 1 Rt 1 Rt 1 Rt Rt = = = 1 R1 1 4 1 R2 1 4 or

+ +

= .25 + .25 = .50 1 .50

or

or Rt = 2 ohms

Unit 2 Lesson 2

2-2-6

Electrical Fundamentals

As stated earlier, one of the rules for parallel circuits states that the voltage is the SAME in all parallel branches. With 24 volts applied to each branch, the individual current flow can be calculated using ohms law. The equation I = E/R is used to calculate the current in each branch as 6 amps. In this particular case, the current flow in each branch is the same because the resistance values are the same. Solving current flow in a parallel circuit

A R1

+ 12V

+ 12V

R2

R3

Fig. 2.2.6 Parallel Circuit

Draw the above circuit on the board. Explain the following circuit parameters. The circuit shown in Fig. 2.2.6 is a typical d.c. circuit with three parallel branches. The circuit also contains an ammeter connected in series with the parallel branches (all current flow in the circuit must pass through the ammeter). Applying the basic rules for parallel circuits makes solving this problem very simple. The source voltage is given (24 volts) and each branch resistance is given (R1 = 4; R2= 4; R3 = 2). Applying the voltage rule for parallel circuits (voltage is the SAME in all branches) we can solve the unknown current value in each branch by using the Ohms Law Circle, whereas, I = E/R. I1 = E1/R1 or I1 = 24/4 or I1 = 6 amps I2 = E2/R2 or I2 = 24/4 or I2 = 6 amps I3 = E3/R3 or I3 = 24/2 or I3 = 12 amps Since current flow in parallel branches is the SUM of all branch currents, the equation for total current is It = I1 + I2 + I3 or 6+6+12 = 24 amps. With the source voltage given as 24 volts and the total current calculated at 24 amps, the total circuit resistance is calculated as 1 ohm. (Rt = Et/It).

Unit 2 Instructor Copy Exercise 2.2.2

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Electrical Fundamentals

Understanding Parallel Circuits

R1

+ 12V

R2

R3

Fig. 2.2.7 Parallel Circuit

Parallel Circuit Use the Ohms Law Circle and the rules for parallel circuits to calculate the unknown values. In the space below the question, write the equation used to solve the problem and show all mathematical steps. 1. What is the voltage drop across R3? 12 volts

2. What is the total circuit resistance? 1.33 ohms

3. What is the voltage drop across R1? 12 volts

4. How much current is following through resistor R3? 2 amps

5. What is the total circuit current (It)? 9 amps

Instructor Copy: Exercise 2.2.2

Unit 2 Student Copy Exercise 2.2.2

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Electrical Fundamentals

Understanding Parallel Circuits

R1

+ 12V

R2

R3

Fig. 2.2.7 Parallel Circuit

Parallel Circuit Use the Ohms Law Circle and the rules for parallel circuits to calculate the unknown values. In the space below the question, write the equation used to solve the problem and show all mathematical steps. 1. What is the voltage drop across R3? _________ volts

2. What is the total circuit resistance? __________ ohms

3. What is the voltage drop across R1? _________ volts

4. How much current is following through resistor R3? __________ amps

5. What is the total circuit current (It)?__________ amps

Student Copy: Exercise 2.2.2

Unit 2 Lesson 2

2-2-7

Electrical Fundamentals

R1

+ 12V

R2 R3

Fig. 2.2.8 Series-parallel Circuit

Series-Parallel Circuits A series-parallel circuit is composed of a series section and a parallel section. All of the rules previously discussed regarding series and parallel circuits are applicable in solving for unknown circuit values. Although some series-parallel circuits appear to be very complex, they are solved quite easily using a logical approach. The following tips will make solving series-parallel circuits less complicated. Examine the circuit carefully, then determine the path or paths that current may flow through the circuit before returning to the source. Redraw a complex circuit to simplify its appearance. When simplifying a series-parallel circuit, begin at the farthest point from the voltage source. Replace series and parallel resistor combinations one step at a time. A correctly redrawn series-parallel (equivalent) circuit will contain only ONE series resistor in the end. Apply the simple series rules for determining the unknown values. Return to the original circuit and plug in the known values. Use Ohms Law to solve the remaining values.

Unit 2 Lesson 2

2-2-8

Electrical Fundamentals

Solving a series-parallel problem

2
R1

+ 12V

R2

R3

Fig. 2.2.9 Series-parallel Circuit

The series-parallel circuit as shown in Fig. 2.2.8 shows a 2 resistor in series with a parallel branch containing a 6 resistor and a 3 resistor. To solve this problem it is necessary to determine the equivalent resistance for the parallel branch. Using the following equation, solve for the parallel equivalent (Re) resistance. 1 Re 1 Re 1 Re 1 Re = 1 R2 1 6 + 1 R3 1 3 or

= =

.1666 + .3333 = .50 or 1 or R = 2 ohms e .50

Redraw Fig. 2.2.9 inserting the equivalent resistance for the parallel branch. Then solve circuit totals using simple Ohms Law rules for series circuits.

Unit 2 Lesson 2

2-2-9

Electrical Fundamentals

2
R1

+ 12V

R2 R3 Re 2

Equivalent Resistance
Fig. 2.2.10 Equivalent Series Circuit

Using the rules for series circuits, the total circuit resistance can now be calculated using the equation Rt = R1 + Re or Rt = 2+2 or 4 ohms. The remaining value unknown is current. Again using Ohm's Law Circle, current can be calculated by the equation I = E/R, or I = 12/4, or I = 3 amps. Consult the original series-parallel circuit and put in the known values.
6V 3A 2
R1

+ 12V

R2

6V 1A 6

R3

6V 2A 3

Fig. 2.2.11 Circuit

Circuit calculations indicate that the total current flow in the circuit is 3 amps. Since all current flow that leaves the source must return we know that the 3 amps must flow through R1. It is now possible to calculate the voltage drop across R1 by using the equation E = I x R, or E = 3A x 2W, or E1 = 6 volts. If 6 volts is consumed by resistor R1, the remaining source voltage (6V) is applied to both parallel branches. Using Ohms Law for the parallel branch reveals that 1 amp flows through R2 and 2 amps flow through R3 before combining into the total circuit current of 3 amps returning to the negative side of the power source.

Unit 2 Lesson 2

2-2-10

Electrical Fundamentals

Other methods and tips for solving complex series-parallel circuits As stated earlier, complex circuits can be easily solved by carefully examining the path for current flow and then re-drawing the circuit. No matter how complex a circuit appears, drawing an equivalent circuit and reducing the circuit to its lowest form (series circuit) will provide the necessary information to plug into the original circuit. Draw the following example of a series-parallel circuit on the board and explain the following steps for reducing the circuit to a simple series circuit.

TP1

TP2
R1

R3

R2

Fig. 2.2.12 Complex Series-parallel Circuits

Step #1: Trace current flow from the (+) side of the battery to the (-) side of the battery. All the current leaving the source is available at TP1 (test point 1). At TP1 the current is divided among the two parallel branches and then re-combined at TP2 before flowing through the series resistor R3 and returning to ground. Now that you have identified the path of current flow, the next step is drawing an equivalent circuit for the parallel branches. Step #2: Using Ohms Law calculate the equivalent resistance for the parallel branch. There are two methods (equations) available for solving parallel branch resistances. They are: 1 Re = or Re = R1 x R2 (called product over sum method) (for combining R1 + R2 two parallel resistances) 1 R1 + 1 R2

Unit 2 Lesson 2

2-2-11

Electrical Fundamentals

When the circuit contains only two branches the product over sum method is the easiest equation. Step #3: Redraw the circuit substituting the Re value to represent the equivalent resistance. The circuit now has two resistors in series, shown as Re and R3. Further reduce the circuit by combining Re and R3 as a single resistance called Rt. The following drawings reflect those steps.

Re +
Fig. 2.2.12a

R3

Re + Rt = Re + R3

R3

Fig. 2.2.12b

Rt

+
Fig. 2.2.12c

Understanding Series-Parallel Circuits

6
R1

6
R3

3 + 24V
Fig. 2.2.13 Series-parallel Circuits

R2

Series-Parallel Circuit Use the Ohms Law Circle and the rules for series and parallel circuits to calculate the unknown values. In the space below the question, write the equation used to solve the problem and show all mathematical steps. 1. What is the voltage drop across R3? 18 volts

2. What is the total circuit resistance? 8 ohms

3. What is the voltage drop across R1? 6 volts

4. How much current is following through resistor R3? 3 amps

5. What is the total circuit current (It)? 3 amps

Instructor Copy: Exercise 2.2.3

Unit 2 Instructor Copy Exercise 2.2.3

-1-

Electrical Fundamentals

Unit 2 Student Copy Exercise 2.2.3

-1-

Electrical Fundamentals

Name ___________________________________ Understanding Series-Parallel Circuits

6
R1

6
R3

3 + 24V
Fig. 2.2.13 Series-parallel Circuits

R2

Series-Parallel Circuit Use the Ohms Law Circle and the rules for series and parallel circuits to calculate the unknown values. In the space below the question, write the equation used to solve the problem and show all mathematical steps. 1. What is the voltage drop across R3? ________ volts

2. What is the total circuit resistance? _________ ohms

3. What is the voltage drop across R1? __________ volts

4. How much current is following through resistor R3? _______ amps

5. What is the total circuit current (It)? ________ amps

Student Copy: Exercise 2.2.3

Unit 2 Instructor Copy Quiz 2.2.1

-1-

Electrical Fundamentals

Name _________________________________

Read each question carefully and fill in the blanks. 1. If the resistance of a typical electrical circuit equaled 6 ohms, and the power source provided 12 volts, select the correct equation for solving for current flow. a. b. c. d. 6 ohms divided by 12 volts = 500 milliamps 12 volts divided by 6 ohms = 2 amps 12 volts X 6 ohms = 72 amps None of the above

2. In a circuit, what could cause an increase in current if voltage stayed the same? a. b. c. d. A decrease in resistance An increase in resistance An open A short to power

3. In the Ohm's Law Circle, "E" stands for _________. a. b. c. d. current resistance voltage watts

4. In the Ohm's Law Circle, "I" stands for ________. a. b. c. d. current resistance voltage watts

5. If the voltage applied to a resistor is increased and the resistance stayed the same, the current will _____________. a. b. c. d. decrease increase stay the same vary

Instructor Copy: Quiz 2.2.1

ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS QUIZ ANSWERS

Unit 2 Instructor Copy Quiz 2.2.1

-2-

Electrical Fundamentals

6. An electrical terminal in a dome lamp circuit is seriously corroded. The dome lamp is very dim. The overall resistance of the circuit has _________. a. b. c. d. decreased increased remained the same no effect on dome lamp brightness.

7. The basic unit of measurement for power is the ________. a. b. c. d. ampere volt watt ohm

8. A _________ circuit has only one path for current. a. b. c. d. series parallel series-parallel all of the above

9. In a series circuit with more than one resistor, the total resistance of the circuit is ________ the resistance of any single resistor. a. b. c. d. greater than less than equal to smaller than the smallest value

10. In a parallel circuit with more than one resistor, the total resistance of the circuit is ________ the resistance of any single resistor. a. b. c. d. greater than less than equal to the square root of

Unit 2 Student Copy Quiz 2.2.1

-1-

Electrical Fundamentals

Name _________________________________

Read each question carefully and fill in the blanks. 1. If the resistance of a typical electrical circuit equaled 6 ohms, and the power source provided 12 volts, select the correct equation for solving for current flow. a. b. c. d. 6 ohms divided by 12 volts = 500 milliamps 12 volts divided by 6 ohms = 2 amps 12 volts X 6 ohms = 72 amps None of the above

2. In a circuit, what could cause an increase in current if voltage stayed the same? a. b. c. d. A decrease in resistance An increase in resistance An open A short to power

3. In the Ohm's Law Circle, "E" stands for _________. a. b. c. d. current resistance voltage watts

4. In the Ohm's Law Circle, "I" stands for ________. a. b. c. d. current resistance voltage watts

5. If the voltage applied to a resistor is increased and the resistance stayed the same, the current will _____________. a. b. c. d. decrease increase stay the same vary

Student Copy: Quiz 2.2.1

ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS QUIZ

Unit 2 Student Copy Quiz 2.2.1

-2-

Electrical Fundamentals

6. An electrical terminal in a dome lamp circuit is seriously corroded. The dome lamp is very dim. The overall resistance of the circuit has _________. a. b. c. d. decreased increased remained the same no effect on dome lamp brightness.

7. The basic unit of measurement for power is the ________. a. b. c. d. ampere volt watt ohm

8. A _________ circuit has only one path for current. a. b. c. d. series parallel series-parallel all of the above

9. In a series circuit with more than one resistor, the total resistance of the circuit is ________ the resistance of any single resistor. a. b. c. d. greater than less than equal to smaller than the smallest value

10. In a parallel circuit with more than one resistor, the total resistance of the circuit is ________ the resistance of any single resistor. a. b. c. d. greater than less than equal to the square root of