What you need to know

Derive the expression for the total resistance of any number of resistors in series, by consideration of the conservation of energy. Derive the expression for the total resistance of any number of resistors in parallel by consideration of the conservation of charge.

RG

Dunblane High School

Resistors in Series
RT

R1

R2

R3

EMF

EMF

These two circuits have the same effective resistance

The emf = to the sum of the p.d.s around the circuit

RG

Dunblane High School

Resistors in Series
RT

R1

R2

R3

VT VT = V1 + V2 + V3 IRT = IR1 + IR2 + IR3

EMF

But in a series circuit the current is the same at all points so we can divide by I so. For resistors in RT = R1 + R2 + R3 series
RG Dunblane High School 3

Resistors in Parallel
R3
I3 I2 R2 R1 EMF These two circuits have the same effective resistance. I RT

I1
I

EMF

RG

Dunblane High School

Resistors in Parallel
R3
I3 I2 R2 R1 IT EMF VT I = V/R
RG Dunblane High School

VT RT

I1
I

The current splits up in the parallel branches, so

IT = I1 + I2 + I3 BUT
So
5

Resistors in Parallel
R3
I3 I2 R2 R1 IT EMF VT/RT = V1/R1 + V2/R2 + V3/R3 BUT VT I = V/R In a parallel circuit VT RT

I1
I

VT = V1 = V2 = V3

(divide by V)

1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3

RG Dunblane High School 6

What you need to know

Derive the expression for the total resistance of any number of resistors in series, by consideration of the conservation of energy. Derive the expression for the total resistance of any number of resistors in parallel by consideration of the conservation of charge.

RG

Dunblane High School