Question

are the following characteristics true for series circuits, parallel circuits, or * 9 points both?
series parallel both
follows ohms law
is a closed
conductive path
voltage drops are
the same for all
resistors.
if a resistor is
removed, nothing
happens to the other
resistors.
total current is the
sum of resistor
currents.
this is how your
home is connected
together electrically.
all resistors have the
same current.
if a resistor is
removed, no current
flows.
total voltage equal
sum of voltage,
drops

Explanation:

• Follows Ohm’s Law: Ohm’s Law ($V = IR$) is fundamental to all simple electrical circuits (both series and parallel). So, it's for both.
• Is a closed conductive path: Both series and parallel circuits must be closed (to have current flow). So, it's for both.
• Voltage drops are the same for all resistors: In a parallel circuit, voltage across each resistor is the same (as they share the same two - node connection).
• If a resistor is removed, nothing happens to the other resistors: In a parallel circuit, each resistor is on its own branch. Removing one branch (resistor) doesn't affect other branches.
• Total current is the sum of resistor currents: In a parallel circuit, by Kirchhoff’s Current Law ($I_{total}=I_1 + I_2+\cdots+I_n$), the total current is the sum of currents through each resistor.
• This is how your home is connected together electrically: Homes use parallel circuits. If one appliance (a “resistor” in the circuit sense) is off (removed from operation), others can still work.
• All resistors have the same current: In a series circuit, since there is only one path for current, $I = I_1=I_2=\cdots=I_n$.
• If a resistor is removed, no current flows: In a series circuit, there is a single path. Removing a resistor breaks the circuit, and no current flows.
• Total voltage equals sum of voltage drops: In a series circuit, by Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law ($V_{total}=V_1 + V_2+\cdots+V_n$), the total voltage is the sum of voltage drops across each resistor.

Answer:

• Follows Ohm’s Law: Both
• Is a closed conductive path: Both
• Voltage drops are the same for all resistors: Parallel
• If a resistor is removed, nothing happens to the other resistors: Parallel
• Total current is the sum of resistor currents: Parallel
• This is how your home is connected together electrically: Parallel
• All resistors have the same current: Series
• If a resistor is removed, no current flows: Series
• Total voltage equals sum of voltage drops: Series