Discovery I (LJ) V8-3.9L (1994)
types of circuit - parallel and series - have quite different characteristics.
SERIES CIRCUITS
The series circuit is the most simple, basic type of circuit. The current follows a single continuous path through the load devices. If there is an open in
any part of a series circuit or load device, the current flow stops throughout the entire circuit.
Because all current passes through each of the resistance units, the current flow (measured in amperes) is the same everywhere in the circuit, no matter
how many resistance units are connected in series.
Voltage in a series circuit drops across each of the load devices. This voltage drop can be calculated using Ohm's Law. Voltage drop across the load
device equals the resistance of the load device times the current flow.
The sum of all voltage drops in a series circuit is equal to the battery voltage. For example, two equal-wattage lamps are wired in series. The supply
voltage will therefore drop one-half over each lamp.
To calculate the total resistance in a series circuit, simply add up all the resistance values:
R1 + R2 + R3 = Total Resistance
For example, in this circuit we have a 12-volt battery in series with three 0.5 light bulbs. The total resistance of the circuit can be obtained by adding
together the value of each bulb:
0.5 ohm + 0.5 ohm + 0.5 ohm = 1.5 ohm Total Resistance
We can now calculate the current flow and voltage drop in this circuit by using Ohm's Law as follows:
Voltage drop across each bulb equals the resistance of the bulb times the current flow. The equation is shown as:
Voltage Drop = R x I
R = 0.5 ohm
I = 8 amps
0.5 ohm x 8 amps = 4 amps = 4 volt drop across each bulb
Therefore, the total volume drop in this circuit is 12 volts, which equals the battery voltage
SINGLE CONTINUOUS CURRENT PATH