[Syllabus logo] Resistor Combinations

Parallel Combinations:

[Schematics of equivalent circuits]

[Formula for parallel resistance]

Resistors are in parallel if both ends of each resistor are connected directly together; each element has the same voltage in this configuration. The sum of currents through the resistors equals the current through the battery.

Series Combinations:

[Schematics of equivalent circuits]

[Formula for series resistance]

Resistors are in series if one end of each resistor is connected together, with no other circuit element connected at that point; each element has the same current in this configuration. The sum of voltages across the resistors equals the voltage across the battery.

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Last updated Jan. 7, 1998.
Copyright George Watson, Univ. of Delaware, 1996.