RESISTANCE OF A SYSTEM OF

RESISTORS
 LEARNING OBJECTIVE
1. Differentiate between series and parallel circuits
2. Derive an expression for equivalent resistance of resistors in
series
3. Solve numerical based on combination of resistors in series
 Series Parallel
The same amount of current flows The current flowing through each
through all the resistor combines to form the
Resistors current flow through the
source( circuit)

In an electrical circuit, In an electrical circuit, components

components are arranged in a line are arranged parallel with each other

When resistors are put in a When resistors are put in this

circuit, the voltage across each circuit, the voltage across each of
resistor is different even though the resistor is the same.
the current flow is the same
through all of them.

If one component breaks down, Other components will function even if

the whole circuit will stop one component breaks down, each has its
functioning own independent circuit

If V is total voltage then it is If V is total voltage then it is

equal to V1+V2+V3 equal to V1=V2=V3
1. RESISTORS IN SERIES.
 Two or more resistors are said to be connected in series if they are connected one
after the other such that same current flows in one path through all the resistors
when some potential difference is applied across the combination.
DERIVATION
CHARACTERISTICS OF SERIES
CIRCUIT
1. The current in each resistor is the same.
2. The total resistance in the circuit is equal to the sum of the individual
resistance.
3. The total resistance in the series circuit is more than the greatest resistance
in the circuit.
4. The current in the circuit is independent of the relative positions of the
various resistors in the series.
QUESTIONS
1. Derive an expression for the equivalent resistance of the series combination of three
resistors and
2. An electric lamp, whose resistance is 20Ω, and a conductor of 4Ω resistance are connected
to a 6V battery. Calculate (a) total resistance of the circuit, (b) the current through the
circuit, and (c) the potential difference across the electric lamp and conductor.