Data Sheet

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11. LEDs in Parallel
Build the circuit on the left and turn on the switch (62). The heart LED
(69) and the star LED (70) will both light, and this time they will both be
bright. This is because these LED modules are in parallel in this circuit,
which allows separate current paths to ow through each LED module.
Thus, each current path in this circuit is only limited by the internal
resistances of the LED module in that path (i.e. the current owing
through the heart LED (69) is only limited by the internal resistance of
the heart LED (69), and likewise for the star LED (70)), and thus each
LED module is bright.
12. Disadvantage of Series Circuits
Build the circuit on the left, press the switch (62) and the fan blade
(60) of the motor (95) will start running while the lamp (76) is on. Try
disconnecting the lamp (76) from the circuit and notice that the motor
(95) stops spinning. This is one of the disadvantages of series circuits.
Since there is only one current path running through the lamp (76) and
the motor (95), removing one of these components creates an open
circuit that disables current from owing through the other component.
Think about those old Christmas lights where one light going out made
them all go out!
WARNING: Moving parts. Do not touch
the fan or motor during operation. Do
not lean over the motor.
!
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