combination of resistors

There are 2 ways of joining resistors together

1. Series Combination -
• When two (or more) resistors are connected end to
end consecutively in a chain, they are said to be connected
in series.
• When a number of resistors connected in series are
joined to the terminal of a battery, then each resistance
has a different potential difference across its ends
(which depends on the value of resistance). So we can say
that the potential difference divides.
• When a number of resistors are connected in series,
then the same current flows through each resistance

The figure shows three resistances R ,R ,R connected in series.

1 2 3

Now suppose potential difference across resistance R is V , R is

1 1 2

V and R is V . Let potential difference across battery be V, then

2 3 3

:
V = V +V +V .
1 2 3 (1)
Applying Ohm’s law to the whole circuit : V = IR. ………..(2)
where R is the total/equivalent resistance of the series
combination.
Applying Ohm’s law to the three resistors separately, we get:
V =IR
1 1 (3)
V =I R
2 2 (4)
V =IR
3 3 (5)
Substituting (2), (3), (4), (5)in (1)
IR = IR + IR + IR
1 2 3

OR, IR= I (R +R +R ) Or,

1 2 3

R = R +R +R
1 2 3

Therefore we conclude that the sum total/equivalent

resistance in a series connection is equal to the sum of all the
resistances.
(Followed by eg 12.7)
 29.4.2021
1. Parallel Combination
• When two (or more) resistors are connected between the
same points, they are said to be connected in parallel.
• When a number of resistance are connected in parallel,
then the potential difference across each resistance is
same which is equal to the potential difference/voltage of
battery applied.
• Different amounts of current flows through each resistance
(which depend on the value of resistance). When a
number of resistance are connected in parallel, then the
sum of current flowing through all the resistances is equal
to the total current flowing in the circuit.

The figure shows three resistances R ,R ,R connected in parallel.

1 2 3

Now suppose current across resistance R is I , R is I and R

1 1 2 2 3

is I . Let total current in the circuit be I, then:

3

I = I +I +I .
1 2 3 (1)
Applying Ohm’s law to the whole circuit : I = V/R.
………..(2) Applying Ohm’s law to the three resistors
separately, we get:
I =V/R
1 1 (3)
I =V/R
2 2 (4)
I=V/R
3 3 (5)
Substituting (2), (3), (4) , (5) in (1)
 VR = VR1+ VR2 + VR3
OR, VR = V( 1R1+ 1R2 + 1R3 )
Or, 1R = 1R1+ 1R2 + 1R3

Therefore we conclude that the reciprocal of total resistance

in a parallel resistance connection is equal to the sum of
reciprocal of all the resistances.
(followed by eg 12.8, 12.9)