Resistors: Series/Parallel Current/Voltage Rules

Thread starter spock9000
Start date Mar 18, 2012
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Resistors

In summary, series and parallel resistors differ in the way they are connected and how current flows through them. In a series circuit, resistors are connected one after the other and the current flows through each resistor in turn. In a parallel circuit, resistors are connected side by side and the current is split between them. To calculate the total resistance in a series circuit, simply add the resistance of each individual resistor. To calculate the total resistance in a parallel circuit, use the formula 1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3... and add the resistance values of each individual resistor. In a series circuit, the current remains constant throughout the circuit, while in a parallel circuit, the voltage across

Mar 18, 2012

spock9000

resistors in series share the same current, and resistors in parallel share same voltage is this always true? or exist some exceptions? thanks

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Mar 18, 2012

phinds

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How could it be otherwise?

FAQ: Resistors: Series/Parallel Current/Voltage Rules

1. What is the difference between series and parallel resistors?

In a series circuit, resistors are connected one after the other, so the current flows through each resistor in turn. In a parallel circuit, resistors are connected side by side, so the current is split between them.

2. How do I calculate the total resistance of series resistors?

To calculate the total resistance in a series circuit, simply add the resistance of each individual resistor together.

3. How do I calculate the total resistance of parallel resistors?

To calculate the total resistance in a parallel circuit, use the formula 1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3... where R1, R2, R3, etc. are the resistance values of each individual resistor.

4. How does current behave in a series circuit?

In a series circuit, the current remains constant throughout the circuit. This means that the same amount of current flows through each resistor.

5. How does voltage behave in a parallel circuit?

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each resistor remains the same, while the total voltage across the circuit is equal to the sum of the individual voltages. This means that the current is divided between the resistors, but the voltage remains constant.