Discuss parallel and series circuit. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of

Question

Discuss parallel and series circuit. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of AC and DC current. Be sure to provide ample descriptions and/or diagrams in discussing parallel versus series circuits. In doing so, make sure that you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as how the resistance and voltage differs in each case.

When it comes to AC and DC current, you may also want to look at the history behind this. There was a very public and very dirty war between two great scientists at the turn of the last century to decide which would be the standard for our country.

Explanation / Answer

Components of an electrical circuit can be connected in many different ways. The two simplest of these are called series and parallel and occur very frequently. Components connected in series are connected along a single path, so the same current flows through all of the components. Components connected in parallel are connected so the same voltage is applied to each component.

A circuit composed solely of components connected in series is known as a series circuit; likewise, one connected completely in parallel is known as a parallel circuit.

In a series circuit , the current through each of the components is the same, and the voltage across the components is the sum of the voltages across each component. In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each of the components is the same, and the total current is the sum of the currents through each component.

Currently, the transmission of electrical power from bulk power generators all the way to household, commercial and industrial consumers is made through high voltage alternating current (AC) transmission and distribution systems, and through a series of voltage transformations to reduce losses and minimize cost. Voltage levels used are of standard values.

AC system is used in the transmission of bulk power, instead of DC (Direct Current), because of its ability to transform voltage to various levels by using a transformer. The voltage transformation follows the faradays Law which states;

Note that, at higher voltage, the current was reduced thus line losses was also reduced.

Ability to transform voltage and to flow power in two opposite directions (bidirectional) are the only advantages of AC system over DC system.

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