Resistors in Series and Parallel

Resistors in Series

The total resistance in a series circuit is equal to the sum of the resistances in each resistor

Resistors in Parallel

The total resistance in a parallel circuit is less than any of the individual resistors

What equipment would you need to carry out a practical to investigate resistors in series and parallel

multi-meter, crocodile clips, four resistors labelled a b c and d, connecting leads

Steps to investigate resistors in series and parallel

1 Use the multi-meter to find out the resistance of each resistor (a,b,c,d)

2 Connect two of the resistors in series and record the resistance

3 Repeat this but connect the resistors in parallel

4 Repeat with 3 other combinations of resistors in series and parallel