Calculating Serial and Parallel Electric Connections

Calculating Serial and Parallel Electric Connections

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to explain the ways serial and parallel electric connections are calculated.

This slide should be displayed for the entire lesson so that students can keep the learning objective in mind.

What do you already know about electrical circuits?

Electric Circuits

An electric circuit is a path that allows electricity to flow. It consists of a power source, wires, and components.

Introduce electric circuits and explain what they are made of.

Serial Connections

In a serial connection, the components are connected one after another in a line. The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances.

Explain what a serial connection is and how to calculate the total resistance.

Parallel Connections

In a parallel connection, the components are connected side by side. The total resistance is calculated by adding the reciprocals of the individual resistances and then taking the reciprocal of that sum.

Explain what a parallel connection is and how to calculate the total resistance.

Calculating Serial Connections

To calculate the total resistance of a serial connection, simply add the individual resistances.

Demonstrate how to calculate the total resistance of a serial connection.

Calculating Parallel Connections

To calculate the total resistance of a parallel connection, add the reciprocals of the individual resistances and then take the reciprocal of that sum.

Demonstrate how to calculate the total resistance of a parallel connection.

Example Problem: Serial Connection

If you have three resistors in a serial connection with resistances of 2 ohms, 3 ohms, and 4 ohms, what is the total resistance?

Provide an example problem to demonstrate how to calculate the total resistance of a serial connection.

Example Problem: Parallel Connection

If you have three resistors in a parallel connection with resistances of 2 ohms, 3 ohms, and 4 ohms, what is the total resistance?

Provide an example problem to demonstrate how to calculate the total resistance of a parallel connection.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.