Final answer:
Connecting batteries in series increases voltage and is useful for applications requiring higher voltages, while connecting batteries in parallel increases current capacity and is useful for applications requiring higher current.
Step-by-step explanation:
When batteries are connected in series, the positive terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of the next battery. This increases the total voltage of the batteries while keeping the overall current the same. The advantage of connecting batteries in series is that the total voltage is increased, which is useful in applications that require higher voltages, such as powering certain electrical devices. However, the disadvantage is that if one battery in the series fails, it can cause the whole series to fail.
On the other hand, when batteries are connected in parallel, the positive terminals are connected to each other, and the negative terminals are connected to each other. This keeps the voltage the same while increasing the overall current capacity. The advantage of connecting batteries in parallel is that it increases the overall current capacity, which is useful in applications that require higher current, such as starting a car. However, a disadvantage is that if one battery in the parallel connection fails, it may cause an uneven distribution of current among the remaining batteries.
Learn more about advantages and disadvantages of connecting batteries in series and parallel