Features of series and parallel combination of resistors

AI Thread Summary
In a series combination of resistors, the current flows through each resistor, resulting in a total voltage equal to the sum of individual voltages across each resistor, with voltage proportional to resistance. In contrast, a parallel combination maintains the same voltage across each resistor, while the total current is the sum of the currents through each branch, making current inversely proportional to resistance. The series configuration is useful for increasing total resistance, while the parallel configuration is effective for decreasing total resistance. Understanding these principles aids in circuit design and optimization. The discussion seeks further insights into practical applications of these resistor combinations.
agnibho
Messages
46
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Give the features and the utilities of the series and parallel combination of resistors.


The Attempt at a Solution


Series combination:-
(i)The current has a single path for its flow.Hence the same current passes through each resistor and so the potential difference across any resistor is directly proportional to its resistance.
(ii)The potential difference across the entire circuit is equal to the sum of potential differences across the individual resistor.i.e.,
V = V1+V2+V3+...
Parallel combination :-
(i)The potential difference across each resistor is the same(=Va-Vb=V,say) which is the equal to the potential difference across the terminals of the battery(or source)
(ii)The current in a resistor is inversely proportional to its resistance. The sum of currents in the separate branches of the parallel circuit drawn from the source.i.e., I=I1+I2+I3+...

These are the features I managed. However I would like to know the utilities of these two combinations.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Which would you use to a) increase resistance and b) decrease resistance?
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Understanding example in Wikipedia entry for open circuit voltage
Replies
3
Views
2K
Why Do Capacitors Behave Differently in Series and Parallel Configurations?
Replies
20
Views
2K
Circuit with potential difference across battery being zero?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Finding the Current Through a Resistor (Working With Parallel and Series)
Replies
3
Views
1K
Why Are Some Resistors in Parallel While Others Are Not?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Equivalent resistance of a circuit
Replies
3
Views
2K
Electrical Circuits - Parallel vs. Series
Replies
14
Views
1K
Finding the Optimal Combination of Resistors for a Desired Total Resistance
Replies
9
Views
2K
Correct statement about series RC circuit
Replies
4
Views
2K
Why do the headlights on the car become dim when the car is starting?
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top