RESISTORS IN SERIES AND PARALLEL

OBJECTIVES
1. To be able to distinguish between parallel and series connections of resistors
2. To be able to determine the direction of currents and the polarity of passive devices in
simple DC circuits
3. To be able to determine the relationship between the currents through each individual
resistor in a series, parallel, and series-parallel combination and verify them
experimentally
4. To be able to determine the relationship between the voltages across each individual
resistor in a series, parallel, and series-parallel combination and verify them
experimentally
5. To be able to calculate the equivalent resistance of a series, parallel, and series-
parallel combination of resistors theoretically and experimentally

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

• Three ¼-watt resistors assigned by teacher
(make sure it is in the region of 1 KΩ , e.g. 750 Ω, 1 KΩ, 3 KΩ)
• 1.5-V Battery Module or 3.0-V Battery Module
• DMM
• Breadboard
• Set of wire jumpers

THEORY
1. RESISTORS IN SERIES

Figure 1a shows three resistors, with resistances R1, R2, and R3, connected in series to a
battery.

Figure 1a. Three resistors in series

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 Figure 1b. Equivalent circuit of Figure 1a 74

The following are characteristics of resistors in series:

1.1. The same current 𝐼𝑇 flow through each resistor.
𝐼𝑇 = 𝐼1 = 𝐼2 = 𝐼3 (1)
1.2. The total applied voltage 𝑉𝑇 across the series combination is equal to the sum of
the voltages across each resistor
𝑉𝑇 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 + 𝑉3 (2)
The resistance of a conductor, whether ohmic or non-ohmic, is equal to the ratio of the voltage
𝑉 across the conductor and the current 𝐼 through it, 𝑅 = 𝑉/𝐼. Thus, the equivalent resistance
of the series combination is given by
𝑅𝑇 = 𝑉𝑇/𝐼𝑇 (3)
To determine the equivalent resistance of the series combination in terms of the individual
resistances 𝑅1, 𝑅2, and 𝑅3 we start by substituting 𝐼𝑅’s to each of the voltage in equation (2).
𝐼𝑇𝑅𝑇 = 𝐼1𝑅1 + 𝐼2𝑅2 + 𝐼3𝑅3
Since the total current supplied to the circuit is equal to the current through each resistor
[equation (1)], the equivalent resistance of the three resistors in series is
𝑅𝑇 = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 (4)
The equivalent resistance of a series combination of resistors is equal to the sum of the
individual resistances in series. We could replace the three resistors in series by one resistor,
whose resistance is the equivalent resistance 𝑅𝑇 in equation (4), without detecting any change
in the circuit (Figure 1b). This is assuming that there are no potential drops across the wires
in the circuit.
In general, in a series combination of resistors

𝑉𝑇 = ∑ 𝑉′𝑠

𝐼′ 𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 = 𝐼𝑇

and

𝑅𝑇 = ∑ 𝑅′𝑠

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 2. RESISTORS IN PARALLEL

Figure 2a shows three resistors, with resistances 𝑅1, 𝑅2, and 𝑅3, connected in parallel to a
battery.

Figure 2a. Three resistors in parallel Figure 2b. Equivalent circuit of 2a

The following are characteristics of resistors in parallel:

2.1. The potential difference or total voltage 𝑉𝑇 applied across the parallel combination
is the same as that across each resistor.

𝑉𝑇 = 𝑉1 = 𝑉2 = 𝑉3 (5)

2.2. The total current 𝐼𝑇 is equal to the sum of the individual current through each
resistor.

𝐼𝑇 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 𝐼3 (6)

The total current IT through the circuit may be expressed as

𝐼𝑇 = 𝑉𝑇/𝑅𝑇 (7)

where 𝑉𝑇 is the applied voltage across the parallel combination and 𝑅𝑇 is the equivalent
resistance of the three resistors in parallel.
To derive an expression for the equivalent resistance of the three resistors in parallel, with
resistance 𝑅1, 𝑅2, and 𝑅3, we start by substituting “𝑉/𝑇” to each current in equation (6). Thus,

𝑉𝑇𝑅𝑇=𝑉1𝑅1+𝑉2𝑅2+𝑉3𝑅3

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 Since the voltages across each resistor is equal to the total voltage across the circuit
[equation (5)], the equivalent resistance is

1 1 1 1
= + +
RT R1 R 2 R 3

1
or RT = (8)
1 1 1
+ +
R1 R 2 R 3

The equivalent resistance of resistors in parallel is equal to the reciprocal of the sum of the
reciprocals of the resistance of each resistor. We could replace the three resistors in parallel
by one resistor, whose resistance is the equivalent resistance 𝑅𝑇 in equation 8, without
detecting any change in the circuit, as in Figure 2b. This is assuming that there are no
potential drops across the wires in the circuit.

In general, for resistors connected in parallel

𝐼𝑇 = ∑ 𝐼′𝑠

𝑉 ′ 𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 = 𝑉𝑇

and
1
𝑅𝑇 =
1
∑
𝑅′𝑠

3. RESISTORS IN SERIES AND PARALLEL COMBINATION

A circuit showing a simple combination of resistors in series and in parallel is given in Figure
3. To find the equivalent resistance of the series-parallel combination, and to determine the
relationship between the currents in each resistor and the voltages across each resistor, the
concepts discussed earlier about series and parallel connections should be applied.

Figure 3. Combination of resistor in series and in parallel

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 To determine the equivalent resistance 𝑅𝑇 of the combination, we must first get the equivalent
resistance of 𝑅2 and 𝑅3. Since these two resistances are connected in parallel, their equivalent
resistance R23 is given by
1 1 1
= +
𝑅23 𝑅2 𝑅3
or
𝑅2 𝑅3
𝑅23 =
𝑅2 +𝑅3

Since the equivalent resistance 𝑅23 is in series with 𝑅1, the equivalent resistance 𝑅𝑇 of three
resistors is
R 2R3
RT = R1 + . (9)
R2 + R3

To determine the currents and voltages across each resistor, let us start with resistor 𝑅1. The
total current supplied to the resistor combination enters 𝑅1, therefore

𝐼1 = 𝐼𝑇

Resistors 𝑅2 and 𝑅3 are in parallel, therefore their voltages 𝑉2 and 𝑉3 should be equal,

𝑉2 = 𝑉3 = 𝑉23

and total current 𝐼23 of the parallel combination is just the sum of the individual current through
𝑅2 and 𝑅3:

𝐼23 = 𝐼2 + 𝐼3

The parallel combination 𝑅23 is in series with 𝑅1, therefore:

𝐼𝑇 = 𝐼3 = 𝐼23

and total applied voltage 𝑉𝑇 across the series-parallel combination is equal to the sum of the
voltages across 𝑅1 and the parallel combination 𝑅23
𝑉𝑇 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉23

4. MEASURING VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS

In measuring the voltage across a device, first identify the positive and the negative terminals.
The positive and negative terminals of a power source is fixed, the positive terminal is usually
red and marked “+” and the negative terminal marked “-”. A resistor on the other hand exhibits
polarity only when current is flowing through it. The terminal through which the current enters
becomes the positive terminal.

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 After determining the + and – terminals, simply connect the voltmeter in parallel remembering
to observe proper polarity, that is, "+ to +" and "- to -". The voltage being measured in Figure
4a is Vab, and that in Figure 4b is Vcd. The letters are designated arbitrarily, but what is
important is that the first letter in the subscript should refer to the positive terminal.

- + -
+ V
V

+ - -
c + d
b I
a

Figure 4a The polarity of a power supply Figure 4b Where the current enters in a
is fixed. Connect the voltmeter resistor defines the + terminal.
in parallel; + to +, and - to -. Connect the voltmeter in
parallel; + to +, and - to - .

The current flowing through a device (resistor, power supply, etc) is measured by placing an
ammeter in series with the device, inserting it either before or after device and making sure
that the current enters the ammeter by its positive terminal as shown below. In Figure 5a,
the ammeter is inserted at node a, while in Figure 5b it is inserted at node b. Both are
equivalent and should give the same current value.
a b
DEVICE a b
DEVICE
I I
Device and current Device and current

DEVICE DEVICE
Disconnect terminal before the device Disconnect terminal after the device

+ - + -
A DEVICE DEVICE
A
I I
Insert ammeter current entering Insert ammeter current entering
positive terminal positive terminal

Figure 5a Inserting the ammeter Figure 5b Inserting the ammeter

before the device after the device

NB: Although these are the formal procedures in measuring current, we will be using a
different method in measuring current in the experiment because of the wide variety of
DMMs that you have with some being able to measure micro-amperes and others only
in the milli-ampere range. To measure current, measure the voltage across the resistor
(as in Figure 4b and divide this voltage by the resistance.

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 PROCEDURE:

Part I. Resistors in Series

1. Select three carbon resistors in the 1 KΩ region, measure their actual values and designate
them as R1, R2, and R3. These resistors maybe assigned by the instructor.
2. Using the breadboard, connect the three resistors with your battery module as shown in
Figure 6. Disconnect one terminal of the battery until you are ready to measure
R1 R2 R3

+ -

Figure 6. Set-up for resistors in series.

3. With the aid of the diagram below (Figure 7) indicating the nodes, measure voltages V1
(or Vab), V2 (or Vbc), V3 (or Vcd) and VT (or Vad) using the voltmeter, one at a time.
Record the four values on Table 1A of your data sheet.

R1 R2 R3
a b c d
I1 I2 I3
+ V1 - + V2 - + V3 -

e + - f

Figure 7. Setup for resistors in series indicating nodes.

4. Measure the currents I1, I2, I3, IT according to 4a or 4b as assigned by your instructor.
Method 4a is easier and should benefit DMMs without a micro-ampere range. 4b is more
formalized.
4a. From your previously measure voltages, divide it by their corresponding
resistances to get the current (i.e. I1 = V1/R1, I2 = V2/R2 , and I3 = V3/R3). IT
maybe designated as I1 or I2. Record these 4 values in your datasheet.
4b. Measure the currents I1, I2, I3, IT one at a time using the ammeter. By inserting
the ammeter at node a, you can measure I1; at node b to measure I2; at node

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 c to measure I3; and at node e to measure IT. The total current IT can also be
measured by inserting the ammeter at node f. Record the four values on
Table 1A of your data sheet.

Part II. Resistors in Parallel

1. Select three carbon resistors in the 1 KΩ region, measure their actual values and designate
them as R1, R2, and R3. These resistors maybe assigned by the instructor.
2. Using the breadboard, connect the three resistors with your battery module as shown in
Figure 8. Disconnect one terminal of the battery until you are ready to measure

R1
a b
I1 + V1 -
R2
c i d
IT I2 + V2 -

R3
e f
I3 + V3 -

g + - h

Figure 8. Setup for resistors in parallel

3. With the aid of the diagram above (Figure 7) indicating the nodes, measure voltages V1
(or Vab), V2 (or Vcd), V3 (or Vef) and VT (or Vgh) one at a time using the voltmeter. Record
the four values on Table 2A of your data sheet.
4. From your previously measure voltages, divide it by their corresponding resistances to get
the current (i.e. I1 = V1/R1, I2 = V2/R2 , and I3 = V3/R3). IT is directly measure by an ammeter
inserted at point g (i.e. disconnected the terminal of the battery and insert the ammeter
in series). Record these 4 values in your datasheet.

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 Part III. Resistors in Series and Parallel Combination (optional for S.H.)
1. Select three carbon resistors in the 1 KΩ region, measure their actual values and designate
them as R1, R2, and R3. These resistors maybe assigned by the instructor.
2. Using the breadboard, connect the three resistors with your battery module as shown in
Figure 9. Disconnect one terminal of the battery until you are ready to measure

Figure 9. Set-up for resistors in series & parallel

3. With the aid of the diagram above (Figure 8) indicating the nodes, measure voltages
V1 (or Vab), V2 (or Vcd), V3 (or Vef) and VT (or Vgh) one at a time, using the voltmeter.
Record the four values on Table 3A of your data sheet.
4. From your previously measure voltages, divide it by their corresponding resistances
to get the current (i.e. I1 = V1/R1, I2 = V2/R2 , and I3 = V3/R3). IT is directly measure by
an ammeter inserted at point g (i.e. disconnected the terminal of the battery and
insert the ammeter in series). Record these 4 values in your datasheet.

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 EXPERIMENT DATA SHEET

CHEUNG, Sachie Daniela G.

Name: __________________________________________________ May 6 2021
Date Performed: _____________________
Course Code & Section: __________________________________
STEM 12-L, GENPHYLAB2
Group Members: _____________________________________________
DIONISIO, Azelea M.
___________________________________
DMM Model: _________________
Digital All-Manual
DMM Type: __________________________________

RESISTORS IN SERIES AND PARALLEL

Part I. Resistors in Series

Table 1A. Measured Voltages and Currents of Resistors in Series

Resistance Measured Voltage Measured Current

R1 = 820 V1 = 0.280 volts I1 = 0.000337 A
2945 0.998 0.000337
R2 = V2 = volts I2 = A
R3 = 1003 s V3 = 0.341 volts I3 = 0.000337 A
Measured VT = 1.620 volts Measured IT = 0.000337 A

The following are characteristics of resistors in series:

a. The same current IT flows through each resistor.

IT = I1 = I2 = I 3 (1)

b. The total applied voltage VT across the series combination is equal to the sum of the voltages
across each resistor.

VT = V1 + V2 + V3 (2)

The resistance of a conductor whether ohmic or non-ohmic is equal to the ratio of the
voltage V across the conductor and the current I through it, R = V/I. Thus, the equivalent
resistance of the series combination is given by

RT = VT/IT . (3)

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 By substituting IR's (remember V = IR) to each of the voltages in equation 2, and dividing
the resulting equation by IT (since all resistors have equal currents), the equivalent resistance of
the three resistors in series is

RT = R1 + R2 + R3 (4)

The equivalent resistance of a series combination of resistors is equal to the sum of the individual
resistances.

1. Calculate the equivalent resistance RT of the series connection of resistors in Figure 6 using
equation 3 and then using equation 4. Record your results in Table 2B below.

2. Compare the two values determined in the number 1 by getting the percentage difference.

3. Calculate the total voltage VT of the parallel connection using equation 2 and compare this
with the measured value from Table 1A by getting the percentage difference. Record your
calculated values on Table 1B below.

4. Compare the measured current through each resistor (I1, I2, and I3) with the measured total
current by getting the percentage difference. Record your calculated values on Table 1B
below.

5. Which measured quantity is the same/equal for all resistors in a series connection?
____________________________________________________
The measured quantity that is the same for all resistors in a series connection is the current (I), which is seen in the
gathered data on the table above.

Table 1B. Calcultated Equivalent Resistance and Total Voltage for Resistors in Series

i.) Is RT = R1 + R2 + R3 ?

RT = VT/IT RT = R1 + R2 +R3 % difference

4810 4768 0.873%

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 ii.) Is VT = V1 + V2 + V3 ?

Measured VT VT = V1 + V2 + V3 % difference
(from Table 1A)

1.620 volts 1.619 volts

0.06%

iii) Is IT = I1 = I2 = I3 ?

Measured Total Measured Individual % difference

Current Currents
I1 = 0.000337 A
0.000337
0%
Measured IT = A I2 = 0.000337 A
0%
I3 = 0.000337 A
0%

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 Part II. Resistors in Parallel

Table 2A. Measured Voltages and Currents of Resistors in Parallel

Resistance Measured Voltage Measured Current

R1 = 825 V1 = 1.516 volts I1 = A

0.001720

R2 = 2930 V2 = 1.516 volts I2 =0.000512 A

R3 = 992 s V3 = 1.516 volts I3 = A

0.001425
Measured VT = 1.518 volts Measured IT =0.00371 A

The following are characteristics of resistors in parallel:

a. The potential difference or total voltage VT applied across the parallel combination is the
same as that across each resistor.

VT = V1 = V2 = V3 (5)

b. The total current IT is equal to the sum of the individual current through each resistor.

I T = I 1 + I2 + I3 (6)

The total current IT through the circuit may be expressed as

IT = VT/RT (7)

where VT is the applied voltage across the parallel combination and RT is the equivalent resistance
of the three resistors in parallel.
By substituting "V/R" (remember I = V/R) to each of the currents in equation 6, and
dividing the resulting equation by VT (since all resistors have equal voltages), the equivalent
resistance of the three resistors in series is given by

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 1 1 1 1
= + +
RT R1 R 2 R 3

1
or RT = (8)
1 1 1
+ +
R1 R 2 R 3

The reciprocal of the equivalent resistance of resistors in parallel is equal to the sum of the
reciprocals of the individual resistances.
1. Calculate the equivalent resistance RT of the parallel connection of resistors in Figure 7 using
equation 7 and then using equation 8. Record your results in Table 1B below.

2. Compare the two values determined in the number 1 by getting the percentage difference.

3. Calculate the total current IT of the parallel connection using equation 6 and compare this with
the measured value from Table 2A by getting the percentage difference. Record your
calculated values on Table 2B below.

4. Compare the measured voltage across each resistor in parallel (V1, V2, and V3) with the
measured total voltage by getting the percentage difference. Record your calculated values
on Table 2B below.

5. Which measured quantity is the same for all resistors in a parallel connection?

_____________________________
The measured quantity that is the same for all resistors in a parallel connection is the measured voltage or electric
potential difference.

6. How should three equivalent resistors be connected to obtain the least equivalent resistance?
____________________________________
Three equivalent resistors must be connected in parallel to obtain the least equivalent resistance because the total resistance
in parallel is the reciprocal of the sum of all the reciprocals of the resistance of every resistor in a circuit.

7. How are electrical appliances in household circuits connected (in series or parallel)?

Electrical appliances in households are connected in a parallel circuit.

________________________

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 Table 2B. Calculated Equivalent Resistance and Total Voltage for Resistors in Parallel

1
i.) Is R T =
1 1 1
+ +
R1 R 2 R 3

1
RT =
RT = VT/IT 1 1 1 % difference
+ +
R1 R 2 R 3

410 390 4.9%

ii.) Is IT = I1 + I2 + I3 ?

Measured IT IT = I1 + I2 + I3 % difference

0.00371 A 0.00366 A
1.35%

iii) Is VT = V1 = V2 = V3 ?

Measured Total Measured Individual % difference

Voltage Voltages
Measured V1 = 1.516 volts
0.1%
VT = 1.518 volts V2 = 1.516 volts
0.1%
V3 = 1.516 volts
0.1%

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 Part III. Resistors in Series and Parallel Combination

Table 3A. Measured Voltages and Currents of Resistors in Series & Parallel Combination

Resistance Measured Voltage Measured Current

R1 = 825 V1 = 0.822 volts I1 = 0.00103 A

R2 = V2 = 0.741 volts I2 = 0.00020 A

2930

R3 = 992 s V3 = 0.741 volts I3 = 0.00083 A

Measured VT =1.564 volts Measured IT = A

0.00103

1. Show that the equivalent resistance of the series-parallel combination of resistors in Figure
8 is given by
R 2R3
RT = R1 + . (9)
R2 + R3
Given:
Solution: a) Resistors in parallel: R2 and R3
b) Resistors in series: R1 and (R2 and R3)

Formulas:
a) Resistors in series: Rt= sum of all resistance = Ra + Rb + Rc +...
b) Resistors in parallel: Rt =

Rtotal = Sum of all resistance = R1 + R23

Rtotal =

2. Calculate the equivalent resistance of the series and parallel combination of resistors using RT
= VT/IT and then using the equation of the equivalent resistance (equation 9) derived in
number 1. Record your results on Table 3B found on the next page.

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 Resistors R2 and R3 are in parallel, therefore their voltages V2 and V3 should be equal,

V2 = V3 = V23 .

The total voltage VT across the series-parallel combination is equal to the sum of the voltages
across R1 and the parallel combination R23. In equation form, VT = V1 + V23

or VT = V1 + V2 (10)

or VT = V1 + V2 (11)

3. Using equations 10 and 11 and your measured values on Table 3A, calculate the total voltage
of the series-parallel combination of resistors. Compare the two values for the total voltage
by getting the percentage difference. Record your results on Table 3B.

From Figure 8, we can see that the total current supplied by the battery to the series-
parallel combination enters R1, therefore I1 = IT .

Since the parallel combination R23 is in series with R1, the total current of the combination
must also be equal to the sum of the currents through R2 and R3. In equation form,

IT = I1 = I2 + I3 . (12)

4. Verify equation 12 by getting the percentage difference between the measured total
current IT and current I1, and the percentage difference between IT and the sum of currents
I2 and I3. Record your calculations on Table 3B below.

Table 3B. Calcultated Equivalent Resistance and Total Voltage for Resistors in Series & Parallel
Combination
R 2R3
i.) Is R T = R1 + ?
R2 + R3
R 2R3
RT = VT/IT RT = R1 + % difference
R2 + R3

1520 1566 3.0%

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 ii.) Is VT = V1 + V2 = V1+ V3 ?

Measured VT VT = (V1 + V2 ) or (V1 + V3) % difference

V1 + V2 = 1.563 volts
VT = 1.564 volts 0.06%
V1 + V3 = 1.563 volts
0.06%

iii) Is IT = I1 = I2 + I3 ?

Measured Total Measured Currents I1 % difference

Current and (I2 +I3)
I1 = 0.00103 A
IT = 0.00103 A 0%
I2 + I3 = 0.000103 A
0%

5. How should an ammeter be placed in a circuit to measure the current through a device?
To measure the current through a device using an ammeter, the circuit must be broken open first, and then
____________________________________________________
the ammeter must be inserted in series with the ciruit so that electrons flowing in the circuit will also pass through
the ammeter. Thus, an ammeter must also be a part of the circuit first.

6. How should a voltmeter be connected to measure the voltage across a device?

To____________________________________________________
measure the voltage accros a device using a voltmeter, the voltmeter must be connected in parallel with the
element to be measured.

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