Webpage title: Understanding Series and Parallel Circuits in Circuit Analysis

AI Thread Summary
When analyzing circuits with resistors and batteries, the classification of components as series or parallel depends on their arrangement and the flow of current. Two resistors connected in sequence with a battery are considered in series, while a configuration with a junction may complicate this classification. The presence of a capacitor or additional batteries does not strictly determine whether components are in series or parallel; rather, it depends on how current flows and voltage is shared. Kirchhoff's laws can be applied to analyze more complex circuits effectively. Ultimately, understanding the context of the components is crucial rather than rigidly adhering to the terms 'series' and 'parallel.'
member 392791
Hello,

I was curious, if two resistors are separated by a battery (i.e. a circuit looks like battery -> resistor -> battery -> resistor), are the resistors in series? Similar idea with a capacitor.

Also, are the resistors parallel if there is a junction that contains a battery and a resistor, and below it a single resistor?
 
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Please provide sketches of your circuits so we are sure to follow.
 
Ok here is a quick image I drew (I don't know where to get a circuit diagram drawer that is easy to use)
 

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In the first case, YES they are in series. In the second diagram, the resistors are in series so far as battery #1 is concerned, as you have drawn it. You have a faulty diagram, however, since you have shorted out battery #2. I assume instead that you meant the bottom of battery #2 to connect to the node at far left where both resistors meet. In that case, the circuit is neither purely series nor parallel, but more complicated. The voltages and currents can be found by applying Kirchoff's laws, if you have come across those.
 
So I guess the takeaway of this, is it the case that a capacitor and/or battery that is in between two resistors doesn't affect whether you consider them as being in series or parallel? For a capacitor, the current can't go through the air in between, so of course they don't have the same current, but are they still in series?
 
The terms 'series' and 'parallel' are not the be all and end all of circuit analysis. Don't get hung up on how to use them. The point of describing a pair of components as being 'in parallel' is when you are considering the way current splits between them. When you are considering two components 'in line' and how the voltage is shared between them, you use the term 'series'. In any particular circuit, it is often quite possible to treat two components as either series or parallel, depending on what you want to find out.
Avoid the 'classification bug'.
 
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