Advantages and Disadvantages of Series and Parallel Circuits

Advantages of series and parallel circuits

Advantages of Parallel Circuits


If a lightbulb blows, the rest of the lights will still work
Lights are the same brightness as just having one, but the battery will die faster
Equal voltage through each of the components. (assuming that the resistance is all
the same)


​Important
Equal Voltage does not mean equal current, and lights of different brands may
have different resistances causing lights to be dimmer than others




Advantages of Series Circuits


Lights are dimmer with more lights, but the battery drains a bit slower
Less complex and simple, with not as many components needed
Conserves energy better that parallel circuits


Disadvantages of Parallel Circuits


Circuit can end up being more complex
Can put stress on battery/power supply
If a component breaks, the other components will keep working, can be problematic
in items that need many working components.
Could be more expensive (more wiring = more expensive)


Disadvantages of Series Circuits


If a lightbulb blows and all are connected in a series circuit, none of the lights will
work
Lights would become dimmer the more components in each circuit
Each component might get different voltages and currents due to resistance