Resistors in Series or in Parallel - (Physics 3)

Series

Describes two or more components of a circuit that provide a single path for current

When many resistors are connected in series,

The current in each resistor is the same

Equivalent resistance

Total resistance of the circuit

Usage of equivalent resistance

To find the current

Resistors in series equation

R_eq = R1 + R2 + R3…

R_eq

The sum of the individual resistances that have been connected in series

The equivalent resistance of a series combination of resistors…

Is always greater than any individual resistance

Parallel

Describes two or more components of a circuit that provide separate conducting paths for currents

(because the components are connected across common points or junctions)

Resistors in parallel equation

1/R_eq = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 …

The equivalent resistance for a parallel arrangement of resistors must always be…

Less than the smallest resistance in the group of resistors

Schematic diagram series

Schematic diagram parallel

Current series

I = i1 = i2 = i3… (same for each resistor)

Current parallel

I = i1 + i2 + i3… (sum of currents)

Potential difference series

△V = △V1 + △V2 + △V3… (sum of potential differences)

Potential difference parallel

△V = △V1 = △V2 = △V3 (same for each resistor)

Equivalent resistance series

R_eq = R1 + R2 + R3… (sum of individual resistances)

Equivalent resistance parallel

1/R_eq = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 (reciprocal sum of resistances)