SECTION 3 SECTION 3

Complex Resistor Objectives

Calculate the equivalent Plan and Prepare 
Combinations
resistance for a complex circuit
involving both series and
parallel portions. Preview Vocabulary
Calculate the current in and Scientific Meanings The word fuse is
Resistors Combined Both in Parallel and in Series potential difference across used in everyday language to describe
Series and parallel circuits are not often encountered independent of one
individual elements within a the melting and blending of different
complex circuit.
another. Most circuits today employ both series and parallel wiring to things. In physics, a fuse is a protective
utilize the advantages of each type. component in electric devices.
A common example of a complex circuit is the electrical wiring typical
in a home. In a home, a fuse or circuit breaker is connected in series to
numerous outlets, which are wired to one another in parallel. An example
of a typical household circuit is shown in Figure 3.1. Teach 
As a result of the outlets being wired in parallel, all the appliances
operate independently; if one is switched off, any others remain on.
Wiring the outlets in parallel ensures that an identical potential difference TEACH FROM VISUALS
exists across any appliance. This way, appliance manufacturers can
produce appliances that all use the same standard potential difference. FIGURE 3.1 Explain that the circuit
To prevent excessive current, a fuse or circuit breaker must be placed breaker is shown as a switch because it
in series with all of the outlets. Fuses and circuit breakers open the circuit contains a switch that opens when the
when the current becomes too high. A fuse is a small
metallic strip that melts if the current exceeds a certain FIGURE 3.1 current in the circuit becomes too large.
value. After a fuse has melted, it must be replaced. A Ask How much of the total current is
circuit breaker, a more modern device, triggers a switch A Household Circuit (a) When all of these
when current reaches a certain value. The switch must be
devices are plugged into the same household circuit, in the circuit breaker when it is in series
(b) the result is a parallel combination of resistors in
reset, rather than replaced, after the circuit overload has with the parallel combination of
series with a circuit breaker.
been removed. Both fuses and circuit breakers must be in devices shown?
series with the entire load to prevent excessive current
from reaching any appliance. In fact, if all the devices in Answer: All of the total current is in the
Figure 3.1 were used at once, the circuit would be over- circuit breaker when it is in series.
loaded. The circuit breaker would interrupt the current.
Fuses and circuit breakers are carefully selected to
meet the demands of a circuit. If the circuit is to carry
currents as large as 30 A, an appropriate fuse or circuit
breaker must be used. Because the fuse or circuit breaker (a)
is placed in series with the rest of the circuit, the current in
the fuse or circuit breaker is the same as the total current Microwave: 8.0 Ω
in the circuit. To find this current, one must determine the
Blender: 41.1 Ω
equivalent resistance.
When determining the equivalent resistance for a Toaster: 16.9 Ω
complex circuit, you must simplify the circuit into groups
of series and parallel resistors and then find the equivalent
resistance for each group by using the rules for finding the ∆V = 120 V Circuit
breaker: 0.01 Ω
equivalent resistance of series and parallel resistors. (b)

HRW • Holt Physics

Differentiated Instruction Circuits and Circuit Elements

PH99PE-C20-003-001-A 645

Pre-AP If the current is too great, the main wires,

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Point out that each device added in parallel plugs, and outlet connections will heat up.4:03:40 PM
6/3/2011

to a circuit draws more current from the Excessive current can damage equipment and
emf source. even cause fires.
Mathematically, because of the following
equation, the more resistors that are added in
parallel, the more current there will be in the
main wires of the circuit.
​ ΔV ​+ ​ _
Itot = _ ΔV ​. . .
R1 R2

Circuits and Circuit Elements 645

 PREMIUM CONTENT

Equivalent Resistance Interactive Demo

HMDScience.com

 Teach continued Sample Problem C Determine the equivalent resistance of

the complex circuit shown below.

Classroom Practice ANALYZE The best approach is to divide the

circuit into groups of series and 6.0 Ω 2.0 Ω
Equivalent Resistance
parallel resistors. This way, the
Use the following values with the circuit methods presented in Sample 6.0 Ω 4.0 Ω 1.0 Ω
in Figure 3.2. What is the equivalent Problems A and B can be used to
calculate the equivalent resistance
resistance for each circuit? for each group.
3.0 Ω 9.0 V

a. Ra = 5.0 Ω, Rb = 3.0 Ω, Rc = 6.0 Ω

PLAN Redraw the circuit as a group of Tips and Tricks
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b. Ra = 6.0 Ω, Rb = 8.0 Ω, Rc = 2.0 Ω resistors along one side of PH99PE-C20-003-003-A
For now, disregard the emf source,
the circuit. and work only with the resistances.
Answers:
Because bends in a wire do not
a. 7.0 Ω affect the circuit, they do not need
b. 7.6 Ω to be represented in a schematic 6.0 Ω 2.0 Ω
diagram. Redraw the circuit 3.0 Ω 6.0 Ω 1.0 Ω
without the corners, keeping the
PROBLEM guide C arrangement of the circuit elements 4.0 Ω
the same, as shown at right.
Use this guide to assign problems.
SE = Student Edition Textbook SOLVE Identify components in series, and
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calculate their equivalent resistance. PH99PE-C20-003-004-A
PW = Sample Problem Set I (online) Resistors in groups (a) and (b) are in series.
For group (a): Req = 3.0 Ω + 6.0 Ω = 9.0 Ω
PB = S ample Problem Set II (online) For group (b): Req = 6.0 Ω + 2.0 Ω = 8.0 Ω
Solving for: 6.0 Ω 2.0 Ω
Req SE Sample, 1–2; 3.0 Ω 6.0 Ω 1.0 Ω
Ch. Rvw. 23–24
(b) 4.0 Ω
PW Sample, 1, 4–5 (a)
8.0 Ω
PB 4–6 9.0 Ω 1.0 Ω
I PW 2–3
PB 7–10 4.0 Ω
(c)
R PW 3
9.0 Ω 2.7 Ω 1.0 Ω
PB Sample, 1–3
P PB 4,6
(d) 12.7 Ω
*Challenging Problem

9.0 V

Continued

Problem
646
Solving
Chapter 18

Take It Further Ask students to compare the results and

In the given sample problem, change the
Untitled-783 646 state their finding as a general fact. 6/3/2011 4:03:41 PM

magnitudes of the resistors to 6 Ω and ask Answer: The resistance of the circuit in parallel
students to find the equivalent resistance of has the least magnitude.
the circuit. Then ask students to draw two
different circuits, each with the same number
of resistors—one in series and the other in
parallel. Have them calculate the equivalent
resistance of each circuit, given that the
magnitude of each resistor is 6 Ω.

646 Chapter 18
 Equivalent Resistance (continued)

Identify components in parallel, and Answers

calculate their equivalent resistance. Tips and Tricks
Resistors in group (c) are in parallel. It doesn’t matter in what order Practice C
the operations of simplifying
For group (c): the circuit are done, as long as
1. a. 27.8 Ω
_1 =_ 1 =_
1 +_ 0.12 Ω + _ 0.37
0.25 = _ the simpler equivalent circuits
still have the same current b. 26.6 Ω
Req 8.0 Ω 4.0 Ω 1 1Ω 1Ω
in and potential difference
Req = 2.7 Ω across the load. c. 23.4 Ω
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the resistors in the circuit are 2. a. 50.9 Ω
reduced to a single equivalent resistance. b. 57.6 Ω
The remainder of the resistors, group (d), are in series.
For group (d): Req = 9.0 Ω + 2.7 Ω + 1.0 Ω

Req = 12.7 Ω

1. For each of the following sets of values, determine the equivalent

Ra
resistance for the circuit shown in Figure 3.2.
a. Ra = 25.0 Ω Rb = 3.0 Ω Rc = 40.0 Ω 40.0 V Rb Rc
b. Ra = 12.0 Ω Rb = 35.0 Ω Rc = 25.0 Ω
c. Ra = 15.0 Ω Rb = 28.0 Ω Rc = 12.0 Ω Figure 3.2

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2. For each of the following sets of values, determine the equivalent Ra
PH99PE-C20-003-007-A
resistance for the circuit shown in Figure 3.3.
a. Ra = 25.0 Ω Rb = 3.0 Ω Rc = 40.0 Ω Rb
Rc
Rd = 15.0 Ω Re = 18.0 Ω 25.0 V Rd Re
b. Ra = 12.0 Ω Rb = 35.0 Ω Rc = 25.0 Ω
Rd = 50.0 Ω Re = 45.0 Ω Figure 3.3

HRW • Holt Physics

PH99PE-C20-003-008-A

Work backward to find the current in and potential difference across

a part of a circuit.
Now that the equivalent resistance for a complex circuit has been deter-
mined, you can work backward to find the current in and potential
difference across any resistor in that circuit. In the household example,
substitute potential difference and equivalent resistance in ∆V = IR to
find the total current in the circuit. Because the fuse or circuit breaker is
in series with the load, the current in it is equal to the total current. Once
this total current is determined, ∆V = IR can again be used to find the
potential difference across the fuse or circuit breaker.
There is no single formula for finding the current in and potential
difference across a resistor buried inside a complex circuit. Instead,
∆V = IR and the rules reviewed in Figure 3.4 must be applied to smaller
pieces of the circuit until the desired values are found.

Circuits and Circuit Elements 647

Alternative Approaches
ntitled-783 647
Students should be encouraged to examine 6/3/2011 4:03:42 PM

alternative ways to group the resistors. For

example, they could first find the equivalent
resistance of the 6.0 Ω and 2.0 Ω resistors
shown as group (b) in Sample Problem C, then
find the equivalent resistance of the 8.0 Ω and
4.0 Ω resistors shown as group (c). The result
would be four resistors in series: 6.0 Ω, 3.0 Ω,
2.7 Ω, and 1.0 Ω. The equivalent resistance of
these four resistors is 12.7 Ω.

Circuits and Circuit Elements 647

 FIGURE 3.4

SERIES AND PARALLEL RESISTORS

 Teach continued Series Parallel
current same as total add to find total
Classroom Practice potential difference add to find total same as total
Current in and Potential
Difference Across a Resistor PREMIUM CONTENT

Use the following values with the circuit Interactive Demo

Current in and Potential Difference Across a Resistor
in Figure 3.5 after Sample Problem D. HMDScience.com

What is the current in and potential Sample Problem D Determine the current in and potential
difference across each of the resistors? difference across the 2.0 Ω resistor highlighted in the figure below.

Ra = 8.0 Ω, Rb = 4.0 Ω, Rc = 6.0 Ω, First determine the total circuit

ANALYZE 6.0 Ω 2.0 Ω
Rd = 3.0 Ω, Re = 9.0 Ω, Rf = 7.0 Ω current by reducing the resistors to a
single equivalent resistance. Then
Answers: rebuild the circuit in steps, calculating 6.0 Ω 4.0 Ω 1.0 Ω
Ia = 0.35 A, ΔVa = 2.8 V the current and potential difference
for the equivalent resistance of each 3.0 Ω 9.0 V
Ib = 0.35 A, ΔVb = 1.4 V group until the current in and
Ic = 0.70 A, ΔVc = 4.2 V potential difference across the 2.0 Ω
resistor are known. HRW • Holt Physics
PH99PE-C20-003-003-A
Id = 0.80 A, ΔVd = 2.4 V
PLAN Determine the equivalent 6.0 Ω 2.0 Ω
Ie = 0.27 A, ΔVe = 2.4 V resistance of the circuit. 3.0 Ω 6.0 Ω 1.0 Ω
If = 1.05 A, ΔVf = 7.4 V The equivalent resistance of the
circuit is 12.7 Ω; this value is (b) 4.0 Ω
calculated in Sample Problem C. (a)
8.0 Ω
Calculate the total current in the 9.0 Ω 1.0 Ω
circuit.
Tips and Tricks Substitute the potential difference
It is not necessary to solve and equivalent resistance in ∆V = IR, 4.0 Ω
(c)
for R eq first and then work and rearrange the equation to find the
backward to find current current delivered by the battery.
in or potential difference
across a particular resistor, 9.0 Ω 2.7 Ω 1.0 Ω
∆V = _
I=_ 9.0 V = 0.71 A
as shown in this Sample
Problem, but working Req 12.7 Ω
through these steps keeps (d) 12.7 Ω
the mathematical operations Determine a path from the equivalent
at each step simpler. resistance found in step 1 to the 2.0 Ω
resistor.
Review the path taken to find the equivalent 9.0 V
resistance in the figure at right, and work backward
through this path. The equivalent resistance for the entire circuit
is the same as the equivalent resistance for group (d). The center
resistor in group (d) in turn is the equivalent resistance for group
(c). The top resistor in group (c) is the equivalent resistance for
group (b), and the right resistor in group (b) is the 2.0 Ω resistor.

Continued
Problem
648
Solving
Chapter 18

Alternative Approaches ΔV = (0.71 A)(9.0 Ω) = 6.4 V

Remind students that they can check each
Untitled-783 648 ΔV = (0.71 A)(1.0 Ω) = 0.71 V 6/3/2011 4:03:43 PM

step by using ΔV = IR for each resistor in a The total ΔV across group (d) matches the
set, as discussed in the Tip on this student terminal voltage.
page. They can also check the sum of ΔV for 1.9 V + 6.4 V + 0.71 V = 9.0 V
series circuits and the sum of I for parallel For B, the current across the 8.0 Ω resistor
circuits. is 0.24 A. For the other resistor in group (c):
For A, the potential difference across the 1.9 V
I = ​ _ ​= 0.48 A
2.7 Ω resistor is 1.9 V. For the other two 4.0 Ω
resistors in series in group (d):

648 Chapter 18
 Current in and Potential Difference Across a Resistor (continued)

SOLVE Follow the path determined in step 3, and calculate the current in
Teaching Tip
and potential difference across each equivalent resistance. Repeat Tell students that it is good problem-
this process until the desired values are found.
solving technique to check each step
A. Regroup, evaluate, and calculate. of the solution before proceeding with
Replace the circuit’s equivalent resistance with group (d). The resistors
in group (d) are in series; therefore, the current in each resistor is the the next step. This prevents students
same as the current in the equivalent resistance, which equals 0.71 A. from having to rework the entire
The potential difference across the 2.7 Ω resistor in group (d) can be
solution in case they make an error in
calculated using ∆V = IR.
one of the steps.
Given: I = 0.71 A R = 2.7 Ω
Unknown: ∆V = ?
∆V = I = (0.71 A)(2.7 Ω) = 1.9 V

B. Regroup, evaluate, and calculate.

Replace the center resistor with group (c).
The resistors in group (c) are in parallel; therefore, the potential
difference across each resistor is the same as the potential difference
across the 2.7 Ω equivalent resistance, which equals 1.9 V. The current
in the 8.0 Ω resistor in group (c) can be calculated using ∆V = IR.

Given: ∆V = 1.9 V R = 8.0 Ω

Unknown: I=?
∆V = _
I=_ 1.9 V = 0.24 A
R 80 Ω
C. Regroup, evaluate, and calculate.
Replace the 8.0 Ω resistor with group (b).
The resistors in group (b) are in series; therefore, the current in each
Tips and Tricks
resistor is the same as the current in the 8.0 Ω equivalent resistance,
You can check each step
in problems like Sample which equals 0.24 A.
Problem D by using ∆V = IR
for each resistor in a set. You I = 0.24 A
can also check the sum of
∆V for series circuits and the
sum of I for parallel circuits.
The potential difference across the 2.0 Ω resistor can be calculated
using ∆V = IR.
Given: I = 0.24 A R = 2.0 Ω
Unknown: ∆V = ?
∆V = IR = (0.24 A) (2.0 Ω) = 0.48 V
∆V = 0.48 V

Continued
Circuits and Circuit Elements 649

The total of these currents is 0.72 A, which

ntitled-783 649 differs from 0.71 A because of rounding. 6/3/2011 4:03:43 PM

For C, the potential difference across the

2.0 Ω resistor is 0.48 V. For the other resistor:
ΔV = (0.24 A)(6.0 Ω) = 1.4 V
The total of these potential differences is 1.9 V,
which was given in the previous step.

Circuits and Circuit Elements 649

 Current in and Potential Difference Across a Resistor (continued)

 Teach continued 1. Calculate the current in and potential difference across each of the resistors
shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 3.5.

PROBLEM guide D Ra = 5.0 Ω Rb = 7.0 Ω

Use this guide to assign problems.
SE = Student Edition Textbook R c = 4.0 Ω
PW = Sample Problem Set I (online) 14.0 V
Rd = 4.0 Ω R e = 4.0 Ω

PB = S ample Problem Set II (online) R f = 2.0 Ω

Figure 3.5
Solving for:
I SE Sample, Practice; HRW • Holt Physics
Ch. Rvw. 25–26 PH99PE-C20-003-014-A

PW Sample, 3
PB 1–10
∆V SE Sample, Practice;
Ch. Rvw. 25–26 Decorative Lights
PW Sample, 1–3
PB 1–10
and Bulbs
Filament
*Challenging Problem

L
Jumper
ight sets arranged in series cannot remain lit if a
bulb burns out. Wiring in parallel can eliminate Glass insulator
this problem, but each bulb must then be able to
Answers withstand 120 V. To eliminate the drawbacks of either
approach, modern light sets typically contain two or
Practice D three sections connected to each other in parallel, each
of which contains bulbs in series. across the two wires that burns the insulation off the
Ra: 0.50 A, 2.5 V
When one bulb is removed from a modern light set, small loop of wire. Once that occurs, the small loop
Rb: 0.50 A, 3.5 V half or one-third of the lights in the set go dark because closes the circuit, and the other bulbs in the section
remain lit.
Rc: 1.5 A, 6.0 V the bulbs in that section are wired in series. When a bulb
burns out, however, all of the other bulbs in the set Because the small loop in the burned out bulb
Rd: 1.0 A, 4.0 V remain lit. How is this possible? has very little resistance, the equivalent resistance
Re: 1.0 A, 4.0 V Modern decorative bulbs have a short loop of insulated of that portion of the light set decreases; its current
wire, called the jumper, that is wrapped around the wires increases. This increased current results in a slight
Rf: 2.0 A, 4.0 V increase in each bulb’s brightness. As more bulbs
connected to the filament, as shown at right. There is no
current in the insulated wire when the bulb is functioning burn out, the temperature in each bulb
properly. When the filament breaks, however, the current increases and can become a fire hazard;

Why It Matters in the section is zero and the potential difference across
the two wires connected to the broken filament is then
thus, bulbs should be replaced soon
after burning out.
Decorative Lights and Bulbs 120 V. This large potential difference creates a spark
Although decorative lights are an
excellent topic during classroom
discussion of series and parallel circuits, Differentiated
650 Chapter 18
Instruction
many decorative light sets use the
jumpers described in this feature to Below Level
avoid the pitfalls of each type of circuit. Students may still not be aware of the
Untitled-783 650 6/3/2011 4:03:45 PM

In effect, the jumper functions like a importance of the order of the resistors in
switch that remains open while the calculations. Have them review the diagram in
filament conducts and closes to connect the practice problem on this page and ask
the wires when the filament burns out. them to combine Ra with Rc in series. Then
have them combine the result with Rb once in
series and once in parallel. Have them compare
their result with the result they obtain for
resistors Ra, Rb, and Rc in the problem.

650 Chapter 18
 SECTION 3 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Reviewing Main Ideas Assess and Reteach 
1. Find the equivalent resistance of the complex circuit FIGURE 3.6
shown in Figure 3.6. Assess Use the Formative Assessment
2. What is the current in the 1.5 Ω resistor in the complex on this page to evaluate student
5.0 Ω 5.0 Ω
circuit shown in Figure 3.6? mastery of the section.
3. What is the potential difference across the 1.5 Ω resistor 18.0 V 5.0 Ω Reteach For students who need
in the circuit shown in Figure 3.6? additional instruction, download the
4. A certain strand of miniature lights contains 35 bulbs
1.5 Ω 5.0 Ω Section Study Guide.
wired in series, with each bulb having a resistance of
15.0 Ω. What is the equivalent resistance when three
Response to Intervention To reassess
HRW • Holt Physics
such strands are connected in parallel across a potential PH99PE-C20-003-015-A students’ mastery, use the Section Quiz,
difference of 120.0 V? available to print or to take directly
5. What is the current in and potential difference across online at HMDScience.com.
each of the bulbs in the strands of lights described in item 4?

6. If one of the bulbs in one of the three strands of lights in item 4 goes out
while the other bulbs in that strand remain lit, what is the current in and
potential difference across each of the lit bulbs in that strand?

Interpreting Graphics
7. Figure 3.7 depicts a household circuit containing several appliances and a
circuit breaker attached to a 120 V source of potential difference.
a. Is the current in the toaster equal to the current in the microwave?
b. Is the potential difference across the microwave equal to the potential
difference across the popcorn popper?
c. Is the current in the circuit breaker equal to the total current in all of
the appliances combined?
d. Determine the equivalent resistance for the circuit.
e. Determine how much current is in the toaster.

FIGURE 3.7

Toaster: 16.9 Ω

Microwave: 8.0 Ω

Popcorn popper: 10.0 Ω

Circuit breaker: 0.01 Ω

120 V

HRW • Holt Physics

PH99PE-C20-003-016-A

Answers to Section Assessment Circuits and Circuit Elements 651

1. 9.8 Ω c. yes, because it is in series with the rest

Untitled-783 651 2. 1.8 A of the circuit 6/3/2011 4:03:45 PM

3. 2.7 V d. 3.6 Ω
4. 175 Ω e. 7.1 A
5. 0.229 A, 3.44 V
6. 0.235 A, 3.52 V
7. a. No, the current in the toaster is less
than the current in the microwave.
b. Yes, the potential differences are equal
because they are in parallel.

Circuits and Circuit Elements 651