In connecting an electrical device to a power source, the electrical connection can be either a series circuit or a parallel circuit. In a parallel circuit, electric current flows through several paths, and each device is connected to its own circuit. The advantage of a parallel circuit is that if one of the devices is damaged / malfunctions, the electric current will not stop, unlike a series circuit. In addition, multiple devices can be connected to a power source at once without reducing the overall amperage output. Parallel electrical circuits are very easy to make and can be a great project for learning how electricity works.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Creating a Simple Parallel Circuit from Aluminum Paper
Step 1. Consider the ages and skills of the people involved
Making parallel circuits is a great and easy way for students to learn electricity. This method of making parallel circuits is most suitable for young students because they are still not very agile and do not use sharp tools.
If you are creating a parallel series as part of a lesson, we recommend asking students or children to list questions, predictions, and hypotheses regarding the project they will be observing
Step 2. Select a resource
Batteries are the cheapest and most practical power source to use for our projects. A 9-volt battery is more than enough.
Step 3. Select the payload
This is the device that will be connected to the power source. We will explain how to make a parallel circuit with a light bulb (prepare two bulbs). You can also use a flashlight bulb.
Step 4. Prepare the conductors
This method uses aluminum foil as a conductor to create a parallel circuit. Paper will be used to associate the resource with the payload.
Cut the paper into four small strips: two 20cm strips and two 10cm strips. Both should be narrow, about the width of a straw
Step 5. Connect the first conductor strip with the battery
Now, you are ready to create a parallel circuit.
- Take a 20 cm strip and connect it to the positive terminal of the battery.
- Take another 20 cm strip and connect it to the negative terminal of the battery.
Step 6. Connect the bulb to the circuit
It's time to connect the charge to your conductor.
- Take both 10 cm strips and wrap one end at each end to the long strip from the positive terminal. (attach one strip 10 cm from the battery, and the other strip approximately 7.5 cm from the battery).
- Wrap the free end of each short strip on each bulb. Tape it with cable tape so it doesn't come off.
Step 7. Complete the parallel circuit
Once you've connected all the elements of the parallel circuit, the bulb should light up.
- Connect the ends of the two light bulbs with the 20 cm strip attached to the negative terminal of the battery.
- Your light bulb is now shining brightly!
Method 2 of 2: Creating a Parallel Circuit with Wires and Switches
Step 1. Use this method for heavier projects
While parallel circuits are still easy to make, this method requires you to use wires and switches so it's more suitable for older students.
For example, this method is done by opening the wires, but if the tools needed are not available, or you do not want students to do this work, we recommend using the method discussed above
Step 2. Prepare the main components of the parallel circuit
You don't need a lot of components to make a parallel circuit: prepare a power source, conductors, at least two charges (things that use electricity), and a switch.
- We recommend that you use the battery as a power source. A 9-volt battery is more than enough.
- You will use the cable as the conductor material. You can use any cable, but copper wires are more than adequate and easy to find.
- You'll be cutting the cable into several pieces so make sure you have enough supplies (it's a good idea to have a 75-100 cm long cable).
- We recommend a light bulb as a charge, but you can use a flashlight.
- You can purchase the switch (along with other components) at an electrical or hardware store.
Step 3. Prepare the cables
Cable is a conducting material in a circuit that connects a power source with a charge.
- Cut the cord into five pieces (approximately 15 cm long and 20 cm long).
- Carefully unscrew the cable to a length of approximately 1.25 cm at both ends of the cable strip.
- Use a wire stripper tool to easily remove the insulation. If you don't have one, use scissors or a knife cutter while being careful not to break the copper portion of the cable.
Step 4. Connect the first light bulb to the battery
Connect one of the wires to the positive terminal of the battery and connect the other end to the left side of the bulb.
Step 5. Connect the switch with the battery
Take another cable and connect it to the negative terminal of the battery. Take the other end of the cable and connect it with a switch.
Step 6. Connect the switch with the first light bulb
Take the other piece of wire and connect one end to the switch first. After that, connect the other end to the right side of the bulb.
Step 7. Connect the second light bulb
Take the fourth piece of wire and wrap it around the left side of the second bulb.
Step 8. Complete the parallel circuit
Use the remaining wire, and wrap one end to the right side of the first bulb, and the other end to the right side of the second bulb.
Step 9. Turn on the switch
Turn on your switch, and both lights in the circuit should be on. Congratulations, your parallel circuit is complete.
Tips
- We recommend securing all connections with cable tape.
- This circuit is easier to make with the help of the connector/battery case. Thus, old batteries can be replaced easily.
Warning
- Be careful when handling light bulbs so they don't break.
- When opening the cable, try not to damage it. Use the wire-stripper tool to make it easier for you.
- Do not use high voltage and amperage power sources without proper protection.
- If the circuit uses red and black wires, never connect the red wire to the positive terminal and the black wire to the negative terminal. Otherwise, the battery will leak, the circuit will not work, or the circuit will catch fire and sparks will fly from the circuit.
