Stefan Bozic The Energy Ball Report February 3, 2013.
Differences between
Parallel and Series Circuits:
Series and Parallel circuits are two very common
types of circuits with distinct properties. In a series circuit, only one path
and direction exists for the current to flow through. In other words, there is
only one path from the source through all of the loads and back to the source.
This means that the current must flow through all of the loads in the circuit,
since all the loads are connected. When paths are disconnected in a series circuit (either by detaching a wire or turning off the source), the electric
current itself discontinues, resulting in a power outage and failure for the
electrical device. A common example includes a string of old Christmas lights
which composes of only one path for the current to flow. Breaking or opening
the circuit causes the lights to stop operating because a closed path is no
longer met. This is why it is very hard to identify the problem because there
are several locations in which the bulb can burn out. All in all, if any of the
loads or bulbs are removed, the whole circuit stops operating. In a parallel circuit, it contains multiple paths (parallel) for currents to move along and
pass through, meaning that charges can move through any of the several paths
found in the circuit. Due to the fact that the function of one device in the
circuit does not affect the functions of the other devices in the circuit, this
means that a damaged device or switch will not affect the remaining devices.
The reasoning behind this is due to the fact that several parallel paths and
branches are found in the circuit. This is why parallel circuits are so
convenient in household electric wiring as turning off the power for the
computer won't affect the power for the lights or the TV. Another reason for
their differences is that both circuits calculate current and voltage
differently. For example: In a series circuit, the voltage must equal the sum
of the voltages from all the resistors, but in a parallel circuit the voltage
remains the same for each resistor. For current, the current in a series
circuit remains the same due to the fact that there is only path for the flow
of electrons but for a parallel circuit, since there are multiple points the
current entering these points must equal to the current exiting them. 
The Function of the
Energy Ball:
A big reason as to why the energy ball does not work
on some individuals has a lot to do with conductivity. Generally speaking, the
human body isn't a great conductor due to the fact that is composed of several
covalent bounds that according to their properties, are not great conductors of
electricity. However, the human body contains dissolved ions in the form of
dissolved salt (NaCl), which becomes a good conductor when dissolved in water,
due to its present ionic bonds. Due to these properties, the body can act as a
form of wire, ensuring that the circuit works between the body and ball (when
both metal contacts are touched). Another
reason why a conductor doesn't work is the individual may simply be wearing an
insulator. For example: If an individual is wearing gloves, that means that
electrons will not be able to pass through, thus not completing the circuit.
Self-Reflection:
Throughout this learning experience, I've learned
many things about myself in terms of work efficiency and collaboration.
Basically, I learned that I am more suited towards working independently rather
than in a group, due to the fact that working in a group usually leads to
several distractions and less work being done. With less focus, this obviously
affects goal setting to improve work, as less tasks are completed. In addition
when working in a group, there is usually a person who takes the leadership
role and leads the group to the completion of the task. However due to the
fact that I am an independent person I was able to discover that I lack
collaboration skills, which are needed in daily life (e.g. projects, jobs in the future). Therefore, I should
improve these valuable skills so that I can tackle all tasks with both myself
and peers.
APA Referencing:
Difference between similar terms and objects. (2007, 10 February). Retrieved February 3, 2013, from
http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-series-and-parallel-circuits/
EPA. (2012). Retrieved February 3, 2013, from Environmental Protection Agency website:
http://water.epa.gov/type/rsl/monitoring/vms59.cfm
Michael, S. (2012, May 29). allaboutcircuits.com.
Retrieved February 3, 2013, from
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_1/2.html
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