Series Circuit Analysis
The Series Circuit Analysis Video Tutorial explains how to analyze a series circuit to determine the equivalent resistance, the current in the battery and various devices, and the voltage drops across the devices. Several worked-out examples are discussed.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How are the variety of circuit parameters mathematically related for series circuits?
- How do you analyze a series circuit?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Minds On Physics, Electric Circuits Module, Missions EC9
Analyze problems very similar to those in this video. Do it in Marathon Mode or Sudden Death Mode and earn your trophy.
Concept Builders, Series Circuits: ∆V=I•R Calculations
This Concept Builder has three difficulty levels. Start with the easiest and keep building on top of what you know. You will surely put to use the relationships you have learned in the video.
Calculator Pad, Electric Circuits Problem Set, Q#20 - #28
When you're learning how to solve Physics word problems, the Calculator Pad may be your best tool. There's a set of problems of varying diffiulty, There's answers for every problem. And there's an audio-guided solution.
Physics Interactives, DC Circuit Builder simulation
This interactive simulation from our Physics Interactives section allows you to drag light bulbs, ammeters, voltmeters and batteries to the work area, arrange them as you like, modify parameters such as resistance and battery voltage, and observe the effects. It's almost better than watching the video.
Physics Classroom Tutorial: Circuits Chapter: Series Circuits
The written tutorial on our website forms of the basis of our video tutorials. They are still a good reference, especially if you want quick access to information for review purposes. This page matches the content of our video tutorial.
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner, Electric Circuits Section
Our Curriculum Corner is composed of a collection of Think Sheets. Each one makes for a great component of any Lesson Plan. They work great for both independent practice exercises and cooperative group exercises. The following Think Sheets are a good starting location:
Series Circuits
Circuit Analysis
Teacher Toolkits: Circuit Concepts
Try a Teacher Toolkit ... you might be very glad that you did. Each toolkit includes annotated links to vetted resources from across the web that we feel reliably support the specific topic. Give one of these a try:
Circuit Concepts
Series Circuits
Parallel Circuits
Physics Interactives, DC Circuit Builder
This simulation has loads of uses. We have five classroom-ready, easy-to-use exercises that accompany it. You might be interested in using one of the following activities with your class:
Series Circuit
Voltage Drop Analysis
Calculator Pad, Electric Circuits Problem Set, Q#20 - #28
When you're learning how to solve Physics word problems, the Calculator Pad may be your best tool. There's a set of problems of varying diffiulty, There's answers for every problem. And there's an audio-guided solution.
Minds On Physics, Electric Circuits Module, Missions EC9
This MOP mission is a perfect follow-up to the video. It includes problems very similar (same format) to those in the video. And with a Task Tracker account, you can shorten the assigned task and keep track of student progress.
Concept Builders, Electric Circuits section, Series Circuits - ∆V=I•R
This Concept Builder has three difficulty levels. It starts with a simple circuit and builds up to a 3-resistor circuit. Students analyze several situations at each level using the mathematical relationships discussed in the video.
Physics Classroom Tutorial, Electric Circuits Chapter
The written tutorial on our website forms of the basis of our video tutorials. They are still a good reference, especially if students want quick access to information for review purposes. This page matches the content of our video tutorial. Consider linking to the page from your course page.
Series Circuits
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.