Combination of Resistors - Series and Parallel Series In a series circuit, resistors are connected one after the other, with the current flowing through...
Series
In a series circuit, resistors are connected one after the other, with the current flowing through each resistor in sequence. The total resistance of the circuit is equal to the individual resistances of the resistors added together.
Example:
Consider a circuit with three resistors: R1 = 10 Ω, R2 = 5 Ω, and R3 = 15 Ω. When these resistors are connected in series, the total resistance is:
R_series = R1 + R2 + R3 = 10 Ω + 5 Ω + 15 Ω = 30 Ω
Parallel
In a parallel circuit, resistors are connected across the same terminals, with the current sharing between them. The total resistance of the circuit is equal to the reciprocal of the total resistance of the individual resistors.
Example:
Let's consider a circuit with two resistors: R1 = 10 Ω and R2 = 5 Ω. When these resistors are connected in parallel, the total resistance is:
1/R_parallel = 1/R1 + 1/R2 = 1/10 Ω + 1/5 Ω = 1/2 Ω
Key Differences:
In a series circuit, the current always flows through each resistor in sequence.
In a parallel circuit, the current can split between multiple resistors.
The total resistance in a series circuit is equal to the individual resistances added together, while the total resistance in a parallel circuit is equal to the reciprocal of the total resistance of the individual resistors.
Applications:
Series circuits are often used in appliances, lighting systems, and other devices where a constant current is required.
Parallel circuits are used in various applications, including radio circuits, battery circuits, and circuits with constant potential difference