ch 5 Parallel dc Circuits
ch 5 Parallel dc Circuits
Chapter 5
Parallel dc Circuits
Introduction
There are two network
configurations – series and
parallel.
In Chapter 4 we covered a series
network. In this chapter we will
cover the parallel circuit and all
the methods and laws associated
with it.
Parallel Resistors
Two elements, branches, or circuits are in parallel if
they have two points in common as in the figure
below
1
RT
1 1 1 1
...
R1 R2 R3 RN
The total resistance of parallel resistors is
always less than the value of the smallest
resistor.
Parallel Resistors
For equal resistors in parallel:
V =V =E
1 2
Voltage Sources in Parallel
Two batteries of different
terminal voltages placed in
parallel
When two batteries of different
terminal voltages are placed in
parallel, the larger battery tries to
drop rapidly to the lower supply
The result is the larger battery
quickly discharges to the lower
voltage battery, causing the damage
to both batteries
Open and Short Circuits
An open circuit can have a potential
difference (voltage) across its terminal,
but the current is always zero amperes.
Open and Short Circuits
A short circuit can carry a current of a level
determined by the external circuit, but the potential
difference (voltage) across its terminals is always
zero volts.