Ohm's Law Visualizer
Compare how current flows through Series and Parallel circuits using the exact same components.
R1
R2
Series Circuit
Req = R1 + R2
Req = 10 + 10 = 20.00 Ω
Req = 10 + 10 = 20.00 Ω
Total Current (I) = V / Req
I = 12 / 20.00 = 0.60 A
I = 12 / 20.00 = 0.60 A
In series, the same conventional current passes through every resistor.
Parallel Circuit
1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2
1/Req = 1/10 + 1/10 = 0.2000 Ω⁻¹
Req = 5.00 Ω
1/Req = 1/10 + 1/10 = 0.2000 Ω⁻¹
Req = 5.00 Ω
Total Current (I) = V / Req
I = 12 / 5.00 = 2.40 A
I = 12 / 5.00 = 2.40 A
I1 = 12/10 = 1.20AI2 = 12/10 = 1.20A
In parallel, each branch sees the full source voltage and the source current is the sum of branch currents.
Shared Circuit Legend
→
Direction arrowShows the conventional current reference direction used in the diagram.
+ / -
Polarity markersMark the assumed positive and negative voltage reference across a source or element.
≈
Highlighted pathColored dashed paths are schematic current paths, not literal electron trajectories.