Parallel circuit diagram

4.4.2 Parallel circuit diagram

Parallel circuit diagram of cells

If a higher current is required than that which a single cell can supply, a number of cells are connected in parallel.  When connecting cells in parallel, all the positive terminals are interconnected and all the negative terminals are connected to each other. This has the effect of adding the surface areas of the cell electrodes. The larger surface area can allow more chemical action and, therefore, more electric energy.

Connecting the cells in parallel increases the current rating, but the voltage remains the same if the cells are identical.  If however, the cells have different Emfs then effective Emf of the connection is equivalent to the highest value of the arrangement as show in the parallel arrangement below.

Parallel circuit diagram of cells2