Sarjaankytkennässä

Sarjaankytkennässä, or series connection, is a fundamental electrical configuration where components are connected end-to-end in a single path. This means that the electric current flows through each component sequentially. If one component in a series circuit fails or is removed, the entire circuit is broken, and the current stops flowing.

The total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances of each component. This additive nature of resistance means that adding more components in series will increase the overall resistance of the circuit. The voltage across the circuit is also divided among the components. Each component receives a portion of the total voltage, proportional to its resistance. The sum of the voltage drops across each component equals the total voltage supplied to the circuit.

Current, however, remains the same through all components in a series connection. This is a key characteristic distinguishing it from parallel circuits. Applications of series connections can be found in simple circuits like a string of old-fashioned Christmas lights, where if one bulb burns out, the entire string goes dark. They are also used in certain types of sensors and switches where continuity is essential for operation. Understanding sarjaankytkennässä is crucial for analyzing and designing basic electrical systems.