Parallel and Series circuit-G12-STEM
Parallel and Series circuit-G12-STEM
When multiple resistors are used in a circuit, the total resistance in the circuit
must be found before finding the current. Resistors can be combined in a
circuit in series or in parallel.
Resistors in Series
When connected in series, the total resistance, RT, is equal to
RT = R1 + R2 + R3 + . . .
In series, the total resistance is always larger than any individual resistance.
Current in series resistors: In series circuits, charge has only one path through
which to flow. Therefore, the current passing through each resistor in series is
the same.
Resistors in Parallel
When connected in parallel, the total resistance, RT, is equal to
1 1 1 1
=
RT R1 + R + R + . . .
2 3
In parallel circuits, the total resistance is always smaller than any individual
resistance.
Example 8: Find the total resistance of the three resistors connected in series.
Solve: RT = R1 + R2 + R3 = 12 Ω + 4 Ω + 6 Ω = 22 ▲
Example 9: Find the total resistance of the same three resistors now connected in parallel.
Solve:
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= + + = + +
RT R1 R2 R3 12 Ω 4Ω 6Ω
1 1 3 2 6 1
= + + = = RT = 2 ▲
RT 12 Ω 12 Ω 12 Ω 12 Ω 2
Ω
Example 10: Find the total current passing through the circuit.
1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1
= + = + = + = =
RT R1 12 Ω 6Ω 12 Ω 12 Ω 12 Ω 4Ω
R2
RT = 4 Ω
RT = R1 + R2 = 4 Ω + 4 Ω = 8 Ω
To find the current flowing through the circuit, use this total resistance in
combination with the potential difference from the battery.
Given: V = 16 V Unknown: I = ?
R=8Ω Original equation: V = IR
V 16 V
Solve: I = = =2A
R 8Ω
1 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 1
= + = + = + = =
RT R1 R 9Ω 18 Ω 18 Ω 18 Ω 18 Ω 6Ω
2
RT = 6 Ω
Given: V = 36 V Unknown: I = ?
R = 12 Ω Original equation: V = IR
V 36 V
Solve: I = = = 3A
R 12 Ω
This 3 A is the current through the entire circuit. Use this current to find the
potential difference across the parallel combination. Remember, the potential
difference across resistors wired in parallel is the same regardless of which
path is taken. Because the resistors in parallel have a combined resistance of
6 Ω, you find the potential difference across the parallel branch as follows.
Given: R = 6 Ω Unknown: V = ?
I= 3A Original equation: V = IR
Solve: V = IR = (3 A)(6 Ω) = 18 V
Therefore, the potential difference across both the top and the bottom branches
is 18 V. Now use this 18-V drop to determine the current in the 9-Ω resistor.
Given: V = 18 V Unknown: I = ?
R=9Ω Original equation: V = IR
V 18 V
Solve: I = = =2A
R 9Ω
Practice Exercises
Exercise 16: Using the diagram, a) find the total resistance in the circuit. b) Find the total
current through the circuit.
Exercise 17: Using the diagram, a) find the total resistance in the circuit. b) Find the total
current through the circuit.
Exercise 18: Using the diagram, a) find the total resistance in the circuit. b) Find the total
current through the circuit.
Exercise 19: Old-fashioned holiday lights were connected in series across a 120-V
household line. a) If a string of these lights consists of 12 bulbs, what is the
potential difference across each bulb? b) If the bulbs were connected in
parallel, what would be the potential difference across each bulb?
Exercise 20: Before going to work each morning, Gene runs his 18-Ω toaster, 11-Ω
electric frying pan, and 14-Ω electric coffee maker, all at the same time. The
three are connected in parallel across a 120-V line. a) What is the current
through each appliance? b) If a household circuit could carry a maximum
current of 15 A, would Gene be able to run all of these appliances at the same
time?
Exercise 21: Timmy is playing with a new electronics kit he has received for his birthday.
He takes out four resistors with resistances of 15 Ω, 20 Ω, 20 Ω, and 30 Ω.
a) How would Timmy have to wire the resistors so that they would allow the
maximum amount of current to be drawn? Calculate the total resistance in
this circuit. b) How must he wire the resistors so that they draw a minimum
amount of current? Calculate the total resistance in this circuit.
Exercise 22: Farmer Crockett is preparing tomato seedlings for his spring planting by
growing the small plants over five 46-Ω strip heaters wired in parallel. a) How
much current does each heater draw from a 120-V line? b) How much current
do they draw all together?
Direct Current Circuits 5