Resistors in series Vs Resistors in Parallel | Difference between Resistors in series and Resistors in Parallel
This page compares Resistors in series Vs Resistors in Parallel and mentions difference between Resistors in series and Resistors in Parallel.
Resistors in Series
As shown in the figure, if two resistors are connected in series, following can be derived.
The same can be applied for multiple number of resistors.
• Current flow(I) is same from all the resistors while voltage depends on multiplication of individual resistance with current I.
• Total voltage is sum of voltage across individual resistors i.e. (V=V1+V2) equals (I*R=I*R1+I*R2)
• Total resistance or equivalent is sum of resistance values of these resistors.
• Hence for resistors in series, Total Resistance equals (R=R1+R2) for the two resistors shown.
• SI Unit of resistance is Ohm.
Resistors in Parallel
As shown in the figure, if two resistors are connected in parallel, following can be derived.
• Votage across both resistors will be same.
• Total current is summation of currents through them. (I=I1+I2) equals (V/R) = (V/R1) + (V/R2)
• For two resistors in parallel, total resistance equals (1/R) = (1/R1) + (1/R2)
➨(R) = R1*R2/(R1+R2)
• For multiple resistors in parallel, 1/R = (1/R1) + (1/R2) + (1/R3) + ....... + (1/Rn),
Where n is total number of resistors.
Depending upon applications resistors in series and resistors in parallel configurations are used in the electronic circuit design.
Following table summarizes both resistors in series and resistors in parallel.
| Circuit Type | Resistors in series | Resistors in parallel |
|---|---|---|
| Schematic Diagram |
|
|
| Current | I = I1 = I2 = I3 ... = Same for each resistor | I = I1 + I2 + I3 ... = Sum of currents |
| Potential Difference | ΔV = ΔV1 + ΔV2 + ΔV3 ... = sum of potential differences |
ΔV = ΔV1 = ΔV2 = ΔV3 ... = same for each resistor |
| Equivalent Resistance | Req = R1 + R2 + R3 ... = Sum of individual resistances |
(1/Req) = (1/R1) + (1/R2) + (1/R3) + ... = reciprocal sum of resistances |
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