Parallel Connection.—Now examine [Fig. 36]. In this case the carbon electrodes A are all connected up in series, that is, one following the other in a direct line, by wires B, and the zinc electrodes C, are, in like manner, connected up in series with each other by wires D. The difference in potential at these terminals B, D, is the same as that of a single cell, namely, one and a half volt.
The amperage, on the other hand, is that of the six cells combined, or 150. This method of connecting the cells is also called parallel, since the two wires forming the connections are parallel with each other, and remembering this it may be better to so term it.
Multiple Connections.—This is also designated as series multiple since the two sets of cells each have the connections made like the series method, [Fig. 35]. The particular difference being, that the zinc terminals of the two sets of cells are connected up with one terminal wire A, and the carbon terminals of the two sets are joined to a terminal B.
The result of this form of connection is to increase the voltage equal to that of one cell multiplied by the number of cells in one set, and the amperage is determined by that of one cell multiplied by the two sets.
Each set of cells in this arrangement is called a battery, and we will designate them as No. 1, and No. 2. Each battery, therefore, being connected in series, has a voltage equal to 41/2 volts, and the amperage 50, since there are two batteries.
Now the different arrangement of volts and amperes does not mean that the current strength is changed in the batteries or in the cells. If the pressure is increased the flow is lessened. If the current flow, or the quantity sent over the wires is increased, the voltage is comparatively less.