Connecting resistors in parallel

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SUMMARY

When resistors are connected in parallel, the current distribution is inversely proportional to their resistance values. In a scenario with a 10kΩ and a 5kΩ resistor connected in parallel, the total impedance is approximately 3.33kΩ, resulting in a total current of about 3mA from a 10V source. The current through the 5kΩ resistor is 2mA, while the current through the 10kΩ resistor is 1mA. This illustrates the current divider principle in parallel circuits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law
  • Basic knowledge of electrical circuits
  • Familiarity with the concept of impedance
  • Experience with current divider rules
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the current divider rule in detail
  • Learn about AC circuits and reactance
  • Explore the implications of connecting capacitors in parallel with resistors
  • Investigate the effects of varying resistor values on total impedance
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, electronics students, and hobbyists interested in circuit design and analysis will benefit from this discussion on parallel resistor configurations.

mich_v87
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When resistors are connected in parallel, which one , according to resistance value, carries the larger proportion of the currents? Does the ratio appear to be directly, or inversely, proportional to the ratio of the resistances?
 
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Note that resistance is a type of impedance but that impedance is not necessarily just resistance but something that comes up with AC called reactance or both.

When devices are placed in parallel, voltage is the same through all branches (unless a capacitor is in one branch) and charge (and therefore current) is inversely proportional.

So for example, two resistors in parallel are 10k and 5k. Total impedance is approx 3.33k. Voltage into the parallel node is 10V. Thus total current is 10V/3.33k or about 3mA. Solve for current along each branch with current divider and you will find 2mA along the 5k branch and 1 mA along the 10k branch.
 

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