The Lesson:
Series circuit connection gives us the opportunity to connect more than two loads to a common switch. Street lights are a very good example of this.
Parallel circuit connection makes it possible for us to connect loads to their individual switch. Home wiring is the best example of this where each electrical appliances like bulb, fan, refrigerator and etc are have individual switch.
Procedure/Instructions:
- Review the definitions of series and parallel circuits with the class.
- Use Student Reference Sheets for background information. These may also be distributed as homework reading .
- Divide students into small groups of 3-4 students and distribute Student Work sheet and two set-ups to each group.
- Ask the groups to examine the schematic of a series circuit on the Student Worksheet and draw their own plan for a parallel circuit in the space provided.
- Have each student group make a series and parallel circuit using batteries, wires,and bulbs.
- Once the circuits are complete, ask student groups to make predictions as to how the circuits will function if a LED is removed.
- Also discuss whether the LED might burn brighter in one set up than another.
- Students should record their predictions on the Student Worksheet.
- Have each student group test their predictions using their circuits, and compare their results to their predictions.
- Bring the student groups together to discuss their findings.
Steps for Series Circuit:
Connect three LED on breadboard in series.
each of LED is 3 Volt so in series circuit the total voltage will be 9 volt.
Connect Negative terminal of 1st LED to the positive terminal of 2nd LED and negative terminal of 2nd LED to the positive terminal of 3rd LED.
Connect 9 volt battery to the Circuit.
Connect Positive Terminal of the Battery to the positive terminal of 1st LED and negative terminal of battery to the negative of 3rd LED.
Now you will see all three LEDs will glow. if any of the LED is burnt the circuit will be open and no LED will glow.
Steps for Parallel Circuit:
Connect three LED on breadboard in parallel.
each of LED is 3 Volt so in parallel circuit the total voltage will be remain same that is 3 volt.
Connect positive terminals of all three LEDs together and negative terminals all together.
Connect 3 volt battery to the Circuit.
Connect Positive Terminal of the Battery to the positive terminal of LEDs and negative terminal of battery to the negative of LEDs.
Now you will see all three LEDs will glow. if any of the LED is burnt the circuit still remain close and other two LEDs will glow.