Section outline

  • Robots need electricity to power different parts like motors, sensors, and lights. There are two main ways to connect components in a circuit:

    • Series Circuit

    • Parallel Circuit

    • 🔗 Series Circuit (One Path Only)

      • Components are connected one after another.
      • Same current flows through all.
      • If one part fails, the whole circuit stops.
      • Voltage splits between components.

      Series Circuit

      🧪 Example: Old decorative lights — one bulb fails, all go dark.

    • 🔀 Parallel Circuit (Multiple Paths)

      • Each component has its own connection to the power source.
      • Electricity flows through multiple paths.
      • If one part fails, others keep working.
      • Each gets full voltage, so all bulbs glow equally.

      Parallel Circuit

      🧪 Example: Home wiring — you can turn off one fan without affecting others.

       

    • ⚖️ Quick Comparison Table

      Feature Series Circuit Parallel Circuit
      Connection Style One path Multiple paths
      Current Flow Same through all components Divided among branches
      Voltage Distribution Divided across components Same for all components
      If one part fails... Entire circuit stops Other parts still work
      Common Use Low-power LED chains Homes, robots, appliances

      🤖 In Robotics

      • Use series circuits when you want a single path and simple control.

      • Use parallel circuits when different parts need to work independently, like motors and sensors running at the same time.