Start from zero
A battery provides voltage. A switch either completes the path (closed) or breaks the path (open). A resistor limits current. We will use two resistors so you can compare series and parallel circuits.
Applied electronics lab
Ohm’s Law in Series & Parallel Circuits
Put the pieces together: source voltage, a switch, two resistors, current, voltage drop, and total resistance.
What to notice
In series, the same current flows through both resistors and the source voltage divides across them. In parallel, each resistor has the full source voltage across it and the branch currents add to the total current.
STEMulation
Change the circuit and watch the schematic and numbers
Current can flow
Total resistance
Total current
Source voltage
Voltage across R1
Voltage across R2
Current through R1 / R2
Build it
Assemble the schematic
How to use it: choose Series or Parallel. Then 1) click a part in the tray and 2) click the highlighted matching position in the circuit. When all four parts are placed, SPARKA redraws the finished circuit as a clean schematic.
Parts tray
Battery
Switch
Resistor 1Resistor 2Source
Switch
Resistor
Resistor