Connecting the 6 batteries in series multiplies their voltage while keeping their current the same yielding a 36V 10A configuration. Connecting the 6 batteries in parallel multiplies their current while keeping their voltage the same yieleding a 6V 60A configuration. Using a series-parallel connection, 3 batteries can be connected in series and 3 can be connected in parallel resulting in a 18V 30A configuration.

A semiconductor is a material that has a limited ability to conduct electrical current with conductivity between that of an insulator and that of a conductor. Silicon, a cheap and abundant material, is the most used semiconductor material although other materials are used in the electronics components made from semiconductors. The primary advantages of a semiconductor over a conductor is that the conductivity of a semiconductor can be varied under an external electrical field giving engineers precise control over complex circuits and, unlike conductors like metals, a semiconductor's conductivity increases with increased temperatures.

Electricity is delivered from power stations to customers as AC because it provides a more efficient way to transport electricity over long distances. Most households use electricity with a frequency of 60Hz.

Circuits are not limited to only series or only parallel configurations. Most circuits contain a mix of series and parallel segments. A good example is a household circuit breaker. Electrical outlets in each section of the house are wired in parallel with the circuit breaker for that section wired in series making it easy to cut off electricity to the parallel parts of the circuit when needed.

A diode allows current to pass easily in one direction and blocks current in the other direction. Diodes are commonly used for rectification which is the conversion of alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). Because a diode only allows current flow in one direction, it will pass either the upper or lower half of AC waves (half-wave rectification) creating pulsating DC. Multiple diodes can be connected together to utilize both halves of the AC signal in full-wave rectification.