Electrical Circuits 1

Dr. Magdy A. Abdelhay

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Chapter 5
Parallel dc Circuits

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Parallel Resistors
Two elements, branches, or circuits are in parallel if they have two
points in common.
a
a

R1 R1

R3
R1 R2 a b b R3

R2
R2

b
c
(a) (b) (c)

Figure 1: (a) Parallel resistors; (b) R1 and R2 are in parallel; (c) R3 is in parallel
with the series combination of R1 and R2 .

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Parallel Resistors
For resistors in parallel as shown in Fig. 2, the total resistance is
determined from the following equation:
1 1 1 1 1
= + + + ··· +
RT R1 R2 R3 RN
Since G = 1/R, the equation can also be written in terms of
conductance levels as follows:
GT = G1 + G2 + G3 + · · · + GN (siemens, S)

R1 R2 R3 RN
RT

Figure 2: Parallel combination of resistors.

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Parallel Resistors

In general, however, when the total resistance is desired, the following

format is applied:

1
RT = 1 1 1 1 (1)
R1 + R2 + R3 + ··· + RN

The great feature about the equation, is that it can be applied to any
number of resistors in parallel.

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Example 1

Example 1:
1 Find the total conductance of the parallel network in Fig. 3.
2 Find the total resistance of the same network using the results of part
(1) and using Eq. (1).

Figure 3: Parallel resistors for Example 1.

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Example 1
Solution:
1

1 1 1 1
G1 = = = 0.333 S, G2 = = = 0.167 S
R1 3Ω R2 6Ω
and
GT = G1 + G2 = 0.333 S + 0.167 S = 0.5 S
2
1 1
RT = = =2Ω
GT 0.5 S
Applying Eq. (1)
1 1 1 1
RT = = = = =2Ω
1 1 1 1 0.333 S + 0.167 S 0.5 S
+ +
R1 R2 3Ω 6Ω

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Example 2
Example 2:
1 By inspection, which parallel element in Fig. 4 has the least
conductance? Determine the total conductance of the network and
note whether your conclusion was verified.
2 Determine the total resistance from the results of part (a) and by
applying Eq. (1).

Figure 4: Parallel resistors for Example 2.

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Example 2
Solution:
1 Since the 1 kΩ resistor has the largest resistance, it will have the least
level of conductance.
1 1 1 1
G1 = = = 0.5 S, G2 = = = 0.005 S = 5 mS
R1 2Ω R2 200 Ω
1 1 1
G3 = = = = 0.001 S = 1 mS
R3 1 kΩ 1000 Ω
GT = G1 + G2 + G3 = 0.5 S + 5 mS + 1 mS = 506 mS
2
1 1
RT = = = 1.976 Ω
GT 506 mS
Applying Eq. (1):
1 1
RT = 1 1 1 = 1 1 1
+ + + +
R1 R2 R3 2 Ω 200 Ω 1 kΩ
1
= = 1.98 Ω
0.5 S + 0.005 S + 0.506 S
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Example 3

Example 3: Find the total resistance of the configuration in Fig. 5.

Figure 5: Network to be investigated in Example 3.

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Example 3
Solution: First the network is redrawn as shown in Fig. 6 to clearly
demonstrate that all the resistors are in parallel.

Figure 6: Network in Fig. 5 redrawn.

1 1
RT = 1 1 =
R1 + + R13
R2
1 1 1
1 Ω + 4 Ω + 5 Ω
1 1 ∼
= = = 0.69 Ω
1 S + 0.25 S + 0.2 S 1.45 S
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Parallel Resistors
In general, the total resistance of parallel resistors is always less than
the value of the smallest resistor.
If the smallest resistor of a parallel combination is much smaller than
the other parallel resistors, the total resistance will be very close to
the smallest resistor value.
Example 4:
1 What is the effect of adding another resistor of 100 Ω in parallel with
the parallel resistors of Example 1 as shown in Fig. 7?
2 What is the effect of adding a parallel 1 Ω resistor to the
configuration in Fig. 7?

Figure 7: Adding a parallel 100 Ω resistor to the network in Fig. 3.

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Example 4

1 Applying Eq. (1):

1 1
RT = 1 1 1 = 1 1 1
R1 + R2 + R3 3 Ω + 6 Ω + 100 Ω
1 1
= = = 1.96 Ω
0.333 S + 0.167 S + 0.010 S 0.510 S
The parallel combination of the 3 Ω and 6 Ω resistors resulted in a
total resistance of 2 Ω in Example 1. The effect of adding a resistor
in parallel of 100 Ω had little effect on the total resistance because its
resistance level is significantly higher (and conductance level
significantly less) than the other two resistors. The total change in
resistance was less than 2%. However, do note that the total
resistance dropped with the addition of the 100 Ω resistor.

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Example 4

2 Applying Eq. (1):

1 1
RT = 1 1 1 1 1 1 = 1 1
R1 + R2 +
R3 + R4 3 Ω + 6 Ω + 100 Ω + 1 Ω
1 1
= = = 0.66 Ω
0.333 S + 0.167 S + 0.010 S + 1 S 0.51 S
The introduction of the 1 Ω resistor reduced the total resistance from
2 Ω to only 0.66 Ω—a decrease of almost 67%. The fact that the
added resistor has a resistance level less than the other parallel
elements and one-third that of the smallest contributed to the
significant drop in resistance level.

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Parallel Resistors

The total resistance of parallel resistors will always drop as new

resistors are added in parallel, irrespective of their value.
Recall that this is the opposite of series resistors, where additional
resistors of any value increase the total resistance.

For N equal resistors in parallel, Eq. (1) becomes

1 1 1
RT = 1 1 1 1 = 1 =

N
R1 + R2 + R3 + ··· + RN N R R

and
R
RT = (2)
N

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Example 5
Example 5: Find the total resistance of the parallel resistors in Fig. 8.

Figure 8: Three equal parallel resistors to be investigated in Example 5.

Solution: Applying Eq. (2):

R 12 Ω
RT = = =4Ω
N 3

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Example 6
Example 6: Find the total resistance for the configuration in Fig. 9.

Figure 9: Parallel configuration for Example 6.

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Example 6

Redrawing the network results in the parallel network in Fig. 10.

Applying Eq. (2):
R 2Ω
RT = = = 0.5 Ω
N 4

Figure 10: Network in Fig. 9 redrawn.

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Parallel Resistors

Special Case: Two Parallel Resistors

For two parallel resistors, the total resistance is determined by:
1 1 1
= +
RT R1 R2

Multiplying the top and bottom of each term of the right side of the
equation by the other resistor results in
   
1 R2 1 R1 1 R2 R1
= + = +
RT R2 R1 R1 R2 R1 R2 R1 R2

and
R1 R2
RT = (3)
R1 + R2

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Example 7

Example 7: Repeat Example 1 using Eq. (3).

Figure 11: Parallel resistors for Example 1.

Solution:
R1 R2 (3 Ω)(6 Ω) 18
RT = = = Ω=2Ω
R1 + R2 3 Ω+6 Ω 9
which matches the earlier solution.
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Example 8

Example 8: Determine the total resistance for the parallel combination

in Example 3 using two applications of Eq. (3).

Figure 12: Network in Example 3 redrawn.

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Example 8
Solution: First the 1 Ω and 4 Ω resistors are combined using Eq. (3),
resulting in the reduced network in Fig. 13.

Figure 13: Reduced equivalent in Fig. 6.

R1 R2 (1 Ω)(4 Ω) 4
RT0 = = = Ω = 0.8 Ω
R1 + R2 1 Ω+4 Ω 5
Then Eq. (3) is applied again using the equivalent value:

RT0 R3 (0.8 Ω)(5 Ω) 4

RT = 0 = = Ω = 0.69 Ω
RT + R3 0.8 Ω + 5 Ω 5
The result matches that obtained in Example 3.
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Parallel Resistors

Recall that series elements can be interchanged without affecting the

magnitude of the total resistance.
In parallel networks, Parallel resistors can be interchanged without
affecting the total resistance.

Example 9: Determine the total resistance of the parallel elements in

Fig. 14.

Figure 14: Parallel network for Example 9.

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Example 9
Solution: The network is redrawn in Fig. 15.

Figure 15: Redrawn network in Fig. 14 (Example 9).

0R 6Ω
RR = = =2Ω
N 3
R2 R4 (9 Ω)(72 Ω) 648
RT00 = = = Ω=8Ω
R2 + R4 9 Ω + 72 Ω 81
RT0 RT00 (2 Ω)(8 Ω) 16
RT = 0 = = Ω = 1.6 Ω
RT + RT00 2 Ω+8 Ω 10
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Example 10

Example 10: Determine the value of R2 in Fig. 16 to establish a total

resistance of 9 kΩ.

Figure 16: Parallel network for Example 10.

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Example 10
Solution:
R1 R2
RT =
R1 + R2
RT (R1 + R2 ) = R1 R2
RT R1 + RT R2 = R1 R2
RT R1 = R1 R2 − RT R2
RT R1 = (R1 − RT )R2

and
RT R1
R2 =
R1 − RT
Substituting values:

(9 kΩ)(12 kΩ) 108

R2 = = kΩ = 36 kΩ
12 kΩ − 9 kΩ 3

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Example 11

Example 11: Determine the values of R1 , R2 and R3 in Fig. 17 if

R2 = 2R1 , R3 = 2R2 , and the total resistance is 16 kΩ.

RT = 16 k R1 R2 R3

Figure 17: Parallel network for Example 11.

Solution:
1 1 1 1
= + +
RT R1 R2 R3

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Example 11
However,
R2 = 2R1 R3 = 2R2 = 2(2R1 ) = 4R1
so that
1 1 1 1
= + +
16 kΩ R1 2R1 4R1
and   
1 1 1 1 1 1
= + +
16 kΩ R1 2 R1 4 R1
or  
1 1
= 1.75
16 kΩ R1
resulting in
R1 = 1.75(15 kΩ) = 28 kΩ
R2 = 2R1 = 2(28 kΩ) = 56 kΩ
R3 = 2R2 = 2(56 kΩ) = 112 kΩ

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Parallel Resistors
Instrumentation
The total resistance of a parallel combination of resistive elements
can be found by simply applying an ohmmeter.
There is no polarity to resistance, so either lead of the ohmmeter can
be connected to either side of the network.
Always keep in mind that ohmmeters can never be applied to a “live”
circuit.

Figure 18: Using an ohmmeter to measure the total resistance of a parallel

network.
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Parallel Circuits
A parallel circuit can now be established by connecting a supply
across a set of parallel resistors as shown in Fig. 19.
In general, the voltage is always the same across parallel elements.
For the voltages of the circuit in Fig. 19, the result is that
V1 = V2 = E

Figure 19: A parallel circuit.

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Parallel Circuits
The source current can then be determined using Ohm’s law:
E
Is =
RT
The current through each resistor can also be determined using
Ohm’s law:
V1 E V2 E
I1 = = and I2 = =
R1 R1 R2 R2

Figure 20: Replacing the parallel resistors in Fig. 19 with the equivalent total
resistance.
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Parallel Circuits
The relationship between the source current and the parallel resistor currents
1 1 1
= +
RT R1 R2
Multiplying both sides by the applied voltage:
   
1 1 1
E =E +
RT R1 R2
resulting in
E E E
= +
RT R1 R2
Then note that E/R1 = I1 and E/R2 = I2 to obtain

Is = I1 + I2 (4)

For single-source parallel networks, the source current (Is ) is always equal
to te sum of the individual branch currents.
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Parallel Circuits

for a parallel circuit, the source current equals the sum of the branch
currents, while for a series circuit, the applied voltage equals the sum of
the voltage drops.
IT + V1 – + V2 –

I1 I2 R1 R2
+
R1 R2 E
–

Duality
IT = I 1 + I 2 E = V 1 + V2
(a) (b)

Figure 21: Demonstrating the duality that exists between series and parallel
circuits.

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Example 12
Example 12: For the parallel network in Fig. 22:
1 Find the total resistance.
2 Calculate the source current.
3 Determine the current through each parallel branch.
4 Show that Eq. (4) is satisfied.

Figure 22: Parallel network for Example 12.

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Example 12
Solution:
1
R1 R2 (9 Ω)(18 Ω) 162
RT = = = Ω=6Ω
R1 + R2 9 Ω + 18 Ω 27
2 Applying Ohm’s law:
E 27 V
Is = = = 4.5 A
RT 6Ω
3 Applying Ohm’s law:
V1 E 27 V
I1 = = = =3A
R1 R1 9Ω
V2 E 27 V
I2 = = = = 1.5 A
R2 R2 18 Ω
4 Substituting values from parts (2) and (3):
Is = 4.5 A = I1 + I2 = 3 A + 1.5 A = 4.5 A (checks)
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Example 13

Example 13: For the parallel network in Fig. 23.

1 Find the total resistance.
2 Calculate the source current.
3 Determine the current through each branch.

Figure 23: Parallel network for Example 13.

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Example 13
Solution:
1

1 1
RT = 1 1 1 = 1 1 1 = 9.49 Ω
+ + + +
R1 R2 R3 10 Ω 220 Ω 1.2 kΩ
2 Using Ohm’s law:
E 24 V
Is = = = 2.53 A
RT 9.49 Ω
3 Applying Ohm’s law:
V1 E 24 V
I1 = = = = 2.4 A
R1 R1 10 Ω
V2 E 24 V
I2 = = = = 0.11 A
R2 R2 220 Ω
V3 E 24 V
I3 = = = = 0.02 A
R3 R3 1.2 kΩ
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Parallel Circuits

1 A careful examination of the results of Example 13 reveals that the

larger the parallel resistor, the smaller the branch current.
2 In general, therefore, for parallel resistors, the greatest current will
exist in the branch with the least resistance.
3 A more powerful statement is that current always seeks the path
of least resistance.

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Example 14

Example 14: Given the information provided in Fig. 24.

1 Determine R3 .
2 Find the applied voltage E.
3 Find the source current Is .
4 Find I2 .

Figure 24: Parallel network for Example 14.

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Example 14
1

1 1 1 1
= + +
RT R1 R2 R3
1 1 1 1
= + +
4Ω 10 Ω 20 Ω R3
1
0.25 S = 0.1 S + 0.05 S +
R3
with
1
= 0.1 S
R3
and
1
R3 = = 10 Ω
0.1 S
2 Using Ohm’s law:

E = V1 = I1 R1 = (4 A)(10 Ω) = 40 V
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Example 14

3
E 40 V
Is = = = 10 A
RT 4Ω
4 Applying Ohm’s law:
V2 E 40 V
I2 = = = =2A
R2 R2 20 Ω

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Parallel Circuits
Instrumentation
In Fig. 25, voltmeters have been connected to verify that the voltage
across parallel elements is the same.
Note that the positive or red lead of each voltmeter is connected to
the high (positive) side of the voltage across each resistor to obtain a
positive reading.

Figure 25: Measuring the voltages of a parallel dc network.

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Parallel Circuits
In Fig. 26, an ammeter has been hooked up to measure the source
current.
The red or positive lead of the meter is connected so that the source
current enters that lead and leaves the negative or black lead to
ensure a positive reading.

Figure 26: Measuring the source current of a parallel network.

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Parallel Circuits
A more difficult measurement is for the current through resistor R1 .

Figure 27: Measuring the current through resistor R1 .

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Power Distribution in a Parallel Circuit
For any network composed of resistive elements, the power applied by
the battery will equal that dissipated by the resistive elements.
For the parallel circuit in Fig. 28:
PE = PR1 + PR2 + PR3 (5)
which is exactly the same as obtained for the series combination.

w
flo
er
Pow

Is I1 I2 I3

+ + + +
E V1 R1 V2 R2 V3 R3
– – – –

Figure 28: Power flow in a dc parallel network.

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Power Distribution in a Parallel Circuit

The power delivered by the source in the same:

PE = EIs (watts, W)

as is the equation for the power to each resistor (shown for R1 only):

V12
P1 = V1 I1 = I12 R1 = (watts, W)
R1

In the equation P = V 2 /R, the voltage across each resistor in a

parallel circuit will be the same.
The only factor that changes is the resistance in the denominator of
the equation.
The result is that in a parallel resistive network, the larger the
resistor, the less the power absorbed.

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Example 15
Example 15: For the parallel network in Fig. 29:
1 Determine the total resistance RT .
2 Find the source current and the current through each resistor.
3 Calculate the power delivered by the source.
4 Determine the power absorbed by each parallel resistor.
5 Verify Eq. (5).

Figure 29: Parallel network for Example 15.

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Example 15
Solution:
1

1 1
RT = 1 1 1 = 1 1 1
+ + + +
R1 R2kΩ 20 kΩ 56 kΩ
R3 1.6
1
= = 1.44 kΩ
625 × 10−6 + 50 × 10−6 + 17.867 × 10−6
2 Applying Ohm’s law:
E 28 V
Is = = = 19.44 mA
RT 1.44 kΩ
V1 E 28 V
I1 = = = = 17.5 mA
R1 R1 1.6 kΩ
V2 E 28 V
I2 = = = = 1.4 mA
R2 R2 20 kΩ
V3 E 28 V
I3 = = = = 0.5 mA
R3 R3 56 kΩ

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Example 15

PE = EIs = (28 V)(19.4 mA) = 543.2 mW

4 Applying each form of the power equation:

P1 = V1 I1 = EI1 = (28 V)(17.5 mA) = 490 mW

P2 = I22 R2 = (1.4 mA)2 (20 kΩ) = 39.2 mW
V32 E2 (18 V)2
P3 = = = = 14 mW
R3 R3 56 kΩ
A review of the results clearly substantiates the fact that the larger
the resistor, the less the power absorbed.
5

PE = PR1 + PR2 + PR3

543.2 mW = 490 mW + 39.2 mW + 14 mW = 543.2 mW (checks)

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Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL) states that: The algebraic sum of the
currents entering and leaving a junction (or region) of a network is
zero.
The sum of the currents entering a junction (or region) of a network
must equal the sum of the currents leaving the same junction (or
region).
In equation form, the above statement can be written as follows:
ΣIi = ΣIo (6)

I2 = 2 A

I1 = 4 A System,
complex I3 = 10 A
network,
junction

I4 = 8 A

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Example 16

Example 16: Determine currents I3 and I4 in Fig. 30 using Kirchhoff’s

current law.
I1 = 2 A
I4
I3
a b

I2 = 3 A I5 = 1 A

Figure 30: Two-node configuration for Example 16.

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Example 16
Solution: There are two junctions or nodes in Fig. 30. Node a has only
one unknown, while node b has two unknowns. Since a single equation can
be used to solve for only one unknown, we must apply Kirchhoff’s current
law to node a first.

At node a:

ΣIi = ΣIo
I1 + I2 = I3
2 A + 3 A = I3 = 5 A

At node b, using the result just obtained:

ΣIi = ΣIo
I3 + I5 = I4
5 A + 1 A = I4 = 6 A

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Example 17

Example 17: Determine currents I1 , I3 , I4 , and I5 for the network in

Fig. 31.
b
I1 I3

R1 R3 I5
I=5A
a d

R2 R4 R5

I2 = 4 A I4
c

Figure 31: Four-node configuration for Example 17.

Solution: In this configuration, four nodes are defined. Nodes a and c

have only one unknown current at the junction, so Kirchhoff’s current law
can be applied at either junction.
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Example 17

At node a:

ΣIi = ΣIo
I = I1 + I2
5 A = I1 + 4 A
I1 = 5 A − 4 A = 1 A

At node c:

ΣIi = ΣIo
I2 = I4
I4 = I2 = 4 A

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Example 17
Using the above results at the other junctions results in the following.

At node b:
ΣIi = ΣIo
I1 = I3
I3 = I1 = 1 A
At node d:
ΣIi = ΣIo
I3 + I4 = I5
1 A + 4 A = I5 = 5 A
If we enclose the entire network, we find that the current entering from the
far left is I = 5 A, while the current leaving from the far right is I5 = 5 A.
The two must be equal since the net current entering any system must
equal the net current leaving.
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Example 18

Example 18: Determine currents I3 and I5 in Fig. 32 through

applications of Kirchhoff’s current law.
I2 = 3 A

I4 = 1 A
a
I1 = 4 A
b
I3

I5

Figure 32: Network for Example 18.

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Example 18
Solution: Note first that since node b has two unknown quantities (I3
and I5 ), and node a has only one, Kirchhoff’s current law must first be
applied to node a. The result is then applied to node b.
At node a:

ΣIi = ΣIo
I1 + I2 = I3
4 A + 3 A = I3 = 7 A

At node b:

ΣIi = ΣIo
I3 = I4 + I5
7 A = 1 A + I5
I5 = 7 A − 1 A = 6 A

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Example 19
Example 19: For the parallel dc network in Fig. 33.
1 Determine the source current Is .
2 Find the source voltage E.
3 Determine R3 .
4 Calculate RT .

Figure 33: Parallel network for Example 19.

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Example 19
Solution:
1 Although node a in Fig. 33 may not initially appear as a single
junction. It can be redrawn as shown in Fig. 34.
The result is
ΣIi = ΣIo
Is = I1 + I2 + I3
Is = 8 mA + 10 mA + 2 mA = 20 mA
Is
a
I1 I2 I3
RT
E R1 R2 R3

Figure 34: Redrawn network in Fig. 33.

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Example 19

2 Applying Ohm’s law:

E = V1 = I1 R1 = (8 mA)(2 kΩ) = 16 V

3 Applying Ohm’s law in a different form:

V3 E 16 V
R3 = = = = 8 kΩ
I3 Is 2 mA
4 Applying Ohm’s law again:
E 16 V
RT = = = 0.8 kΩ
Is 20 mA

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Example 20

Example 20: Determine I1 for the integrated circuit in Fig. 35.

5 mA 10 mA

I1 4 mA

IC
6 mA 4 mA

2 mA
8 mA

Figure 35: Integrated circuit for Example 20.

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Example 20

Solution: Assuming that the current I1 entering the chip results in the
following when Kirchhoff’s current law is applied:

ΣIi = ΣIo
I1 + 10 mA + 4 mA + 8 mA = 5 mA + 4 mA + 2 mA + 6 mA
I1 + 22 mA = 17 mA
I1 = 17 mA − 22 mA = −5 mA

We find that the direction for I1 is leaving the IC, although the magnitude
of 5 mA is correct.

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Current Divider Rule (CDR)
For two parallel elements of equal value, the current will divide
equally.
For parallel elements with different values, the smaller the resistance,
the greater the share of input current.
The current IT can then be determined using Ohm’s law:
V
IT =
RT
IT
IT

I1 I2 I3 IN

V R1 R2 R3 RN V RT
RT

(a) (b)

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Current Divider Rule (CDR)

Since the voltage V is the same across parallel elements, the following is
true:
V = I1 R1 = I2 R2 = I3 R3 = · · · = Ix Rx
where the product Ix Rx refers to any combination in the series.

Substituting for V in the above equation for IT , we have

Ix Rx
IT =
RT
Solving for Ix , the final result is the current divider rule:

RT
Ix = IT (7)
Rx

Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 64 / 80

Example 21
Example 21: For the parallel network in the figure below, determine
current I1 using the current divider rule.

Solution:
1 1
RT = 1 1 1 = 1 1 1 = 873.01 Ω
+ + + +
R1 R2 R3 1 kΩ 10 kΩ 22 kΩ
RT (873.01 Ω)
I1 = IT = (12 mA) = (0.873)(12 mA) = 10.48 mA
R1 1 kΩ
and the smallest parallel resistor receives the majority of the current.
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Current Divider Rule (CDR)

Special Case: Two Parallel Resistors For the case of two parallel
resistors as shown below, the total resistance is determined by
R1 R2
RT =
R1 + R2
Substituting RT into Eq. (7)
 for current I1 results in
R1 R2
RT R1 +R2
I1 = IT = IT
R1 R1
IT
and
 
R2 I1 I2
I1 = IT
R1 + R2
R1 R2
RT
Similarly, for I2 ,
 
R1
I2 = IT
R1 + R2
Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 66 / 80
Example 22
Example 22: Determine current I2 for the network in the figure below
using the current divider rule.

Solution:
   
R1 4 kΩ
I2 = IT = 6 A = (0.333)(6 A) = 2 A
R1 + R2 4 kΩ + 8 kΩ
or
RT (4 kΩ)(8 kΩ)
I2 = IT RT = 4 kΩ || 8 kΩ = = 2.667 kΩ
R2 4 kΩ + 8 kΩ
2.667 kΩ
I2 = 6 A = (0.333)(6 A) = 2 A
8 kΩ
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Example 23
Example 23: Determine resistor R1 in Fig. 36 to implement the division
of current shown.

Figure 36: A design-type problem for two parallel resistors (Example 23).

Solution: There are essentially two approaches to this type of problem.

One involves the direct substitution of known values into the current
divider rule equation followed by a mathematical analysis. The other is the
sequential application of the basic laws of electric circuits. First we will
use the latter approach.
Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 68 / 80
Example 23

Applying Kirchhoff’s current law:

ΣIi = ΣIo
I = I1 + I2
27 mA = 21 mA + I2
I2 = 27 mA − 21 mA = 6 mA

V2 = I2 R2 = (6 mA)(7 Ω) = 42 mV
V1 = V2 = 42 mV
Finally,
V1 42 mV
R1 = = =2Ω
I1 21 mA

Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 69 / 80

Example 23

Now for the other approach using the current divider rule:
 
R2
I1 = IT
R1 + R2
 
7Ω
21 mA = 27 mA
R1 + 7 Ω
(R1 + 7 Ω)(21 mA) = (7 Ω)(27 mA)
(21 mA)R1 + 147 mV = 189 mV
(21 mA)R1 = 189 mV − 147 mV = 42 mV
42 mV
R1 = =2Ω
21 mA

Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 70 / 80

Voltage Sources in Parallel

Because the voltage is the same across parallel elements, voltage

sources can be placed in parallel only if they have the same voltage.
The primary reason for placing two or more batteries or supplies in
parallel is to increase the current rating above that of a single supply.

I1 Is Is = I 1 + I 2
I2
E1 12 V E2 12 V E 12 V

I1 = I2 = I
PT = E(I1 + I2 ) = E(I + I) = E(2I) = 2(EI) = 2P(one supply)

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Open and Short Circuits

Open circuits and short circuits can often cause more confusion and
difficulty in the analysis of a system than standard series or parallel
configurations.
An open circuit can have a potential difference (voltage) across its
terminals, but the current is always zero amperes.
I=0A
Open circuit
+
System V
–

(a)

I=0A
a
+
+
E Vopen circuit = E volts
–
–
b

(b)
Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 72 / 80
Open and Short Circuits

The current through the short circuit can be any value, as determined
by the system it is connected to, but the voltage across the short
circuit is always zero volts because the resistance of the short circuit
is assumed to be essentially zero ohms and V = IR = I(0 Ω) = 0 V.
Short circuit

I
+
System V=0V
–

Figure 37: Defining a short circuit.

Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 73 / 80

Example 24
Example 24: Determine voltage Vab for the network in Fig. 38.

Figure 38: Network for Example 24.

Solution: The open circuit requires that I be zero amperes. The voltage
drop across both resistors is therefore zero volts since
V = IR = (0)R = 0 V. Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law around the
closed loop,
vab = E = 20 V

Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 74 / 80

Example 25

Example 25: Determine voltages Vab and Vcd for the network in Fig. 39.

Figure 39: Network for Example 25.

Solution: The current through the system is zero amperes due to the
open circuit, resulting in a 0 V drop across each resistor. Both resistors
can therefore be replaced by short circuits, as shown in Fig. 40.

Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 75 / 80

Example 25
E2
a + – c
+
+

+ 30 V
E1 10 V Vab Vcd
–
– –

b d
Figure 40: Circuit in Fig. 39 redrawn.
Voltage Vab is then directly across the 10 V battery, and
Vab = E1 = 10 V
Voltage Vcd requires an application of Kirchhoff’s voltage law:
+E1 − E2 − Vcd = 0
Vcd = E1 − E2 = 10 V − 30 V = −20 V
The negative sign in the solution indicates that the actual voltage Vcd has
the opposite polarity of that appearing in Fig. 39.
Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 76 / 80
Example 26
Example 26: Determine the unknown voltage and current for each
network in Fig. 41.

Figure 41: Networks for Example 26.

Solution: For the network in Fig. 41(a), the current IT will take the
path of least resistance.
I = IT = 12 mA

Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 77 / 80

Example 26

The voltage across the network is the same as that across the short circuit
and will be zero volts.
V =0V
For the network in Fig. 41(b), the open-circuit condition requires that the
current be zero amperes.
I=0A
The voltage drops across the resistors must therefore be zero volts, as
determined by Ohm’s law

VR = IR = (0)R = 0 V

The result is that the open-circuit voltage is

V = E = 22 V

Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 78 / 80

Example 27

Example 27: Determine V and I for the network in Fig. 42 if resistor

R2 is shorted out.

Figure 42: Network for Example 27.

Solution: The redrawn network appears in Fig. 43.

Magdy A. Abdelhay Electrical Circuits 1 79 / 80

Example 27

Figure 43: Network in Fig. 42 with R2 replaced by a jumper

The current through the 3 Ω resistor is zero due to the open circuit,
causing all the current I to pass through the jumper. Since
V3 Ω = IR = (0)R = 0 V, the voltage V is directly across the short, and

V =0V
E 6V
I= = =3A
R1 2Ω
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