Series and Parallel Circuits

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.

Potential difference across series resistors: As charge passes through each of

the resistors, it loses some energy. This means that there will be a potential
difference across each resistor. The sum of all the potential differences equals
the potential difference across the battery, assuming negligible resistance in
the connecting wires.

Resistors in Parallel
When connected in parallel, the total resistance, RT, is equal to

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

Don’t forget! After finding a common

denominator and determining the sum of these
fractions, flip over the answer to determine RT.

In parallel circuits, the total resistance is always smaller than any individual
resistance.

Current in parallel resistors: In parallel circuits, there is more than one

possible path and current divides itself according to the resistance of each
path. Since current will take the “path of least resistance,” the smallest resistor
will allow the most current through, while the largest resistor will allow the
least current through. The sum of the currents in each parallel resistor equals
the original current entering the branches.

Potential difference in parallel resistors: The potential difference across each

of the resistors in a parallel combination is the same. If there are no other
resistors in the circuit, it is equal to the potential difference across the battery,
assuming negligible resistance in the connecting wires.
 Solved Examples

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.

This circuit contains resistors in parallel that are

then combined with a resistor in series. Always
begin solving such a resistor combination by
working from the inside out. In other words, first
determine the equivalent resistance of the two
resistors in parallel before combining this total
resistance with the one in series.

Look first at the parallel combination.

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

Now, combine this equivalent resistance with the resistor in series.

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

Example 11: Find the current in the 9-Ω resistor.

For the parallel branch

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

Combining with the series resistor

 RT = R1 + R2 = 6 Ω + 6 Ω = 12 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