Welcome to Ohm’s Law Made Easy for Series-Parallel Circuits!

By the end of this course, students will gain comfort in voltage, current, resistance, and power calculations for series-parallel circuits. Detailed explanations on solving for total resistance and the utilization of mathematical or rule-based approaches to determine the answers are provided.

Ohm’s Law defines the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical or electronic circuit. Knowing any two values—voltage and current, voltage and resistance, or current and resistance—allows for the calculation of the third value mathematically. Understanding the mathematical principles behind these relationships significantly enhances your comprehension and diagnostic thinking.

Series circuits are employed when a voltage lower than the source or battery voltage is required, or when components need to share the source voltage. Parallel circuits are utilized when each device should receive the full source voltage. In automotive circuits, most are parallel because it's generally preferred that each component receives the full battery or source voltage.

Series-parallel circuits are employed when a single device, such as a switch, needs to control multiple devices or when there's a necessity to reduce the voltage available to a group of devices. For instance, using a resistor in the series part of the circuit to lower the voltage available to the headlights, which are in parallel, facilitates Daytime Running Lights operation. Daytime Running Lights (DRL) enhance a vehicle's visibility in daylight for other drivers.

Demo videos, featuring bulbs and switches, are provided at the end of the course to solidify your understanding of series-parallel circuits. This course is geared toward automotive students, beginners in electronics, and DIY enthusiasts seeking a solid foundation and understanding of series-parallel circuits.

It goes beyond presenting formulas and concepts by guiding you through the thought process, steps, and reasoning behind them. The course offers practice examples and detailed explanations of how the answers were calculated.

Understanding Ohm's Law math in conjunction with basic electrical fundamentals helps students identify incorrect voltage measurements and enhances their troubleshooting and electrical diagnostic skills.

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