General Physics 2

Resistors in Series and Parallel

4.1 RESISTORS IN PARALLEL

Resistors are in parallel when each resistor is connected directly to the voltage source by connecting
wires having negligible resistance. Each resistor thus has the full voltage of the source applied to it. Each
resistor would draw the same current if it alone were connected to the voltage source. For example, an
automobile's headlights, radio, and so on, are wired in parallel, so that they utilize the full voltage of the
source and can operate independently. The same is true in your house or any building.
To find an expression for the equivalent parallel resistance 𝑅𝑃 , let us consider the currents that flow
and how they are related to resistance. Since each resistor in the circuit has the full voltage, the currents
𝑉 𝑉 𝑉
flowing through the individual resistors are 𝐼1 = 𝑅 , 𝐼2 = 𝑅 and 𝐼3 = 𝑅 .
1 2 3
Conservation of charge implies that the total current produced by the source is the sum of these
currents: 𝐼 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 𝐼3 . Substituting the expressions for the individual currents gives
𝑉 𝑉 𝑉 1 1 1
𝐼= + + = 𝑉( + + )
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3

The figure below is an example of three resistors connected in parallel to a battery and the equivalent
single parallel resistance.

𝑉
Note that Ohm's law for the equivalent single resistance gives 𝐼 = 𝑅 . The terms inside the
𝑃
parentheses in the last two equations must be equal. Generalizing to any number of resistors, the total
resistance of a parallel connection 𝑅𝑃 is related to the individual resistances by
1 1 1 1
= + + +⋯
𝑅𝑃 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3

This relationship results in a total resistance 𝑅𝑃 that is less than the smallest of the individual
resistances. When resistors are connected in parallel, more current flows from the source that would flow for
any of them individually, and so the total resistance is lower.

Example 1. Calculating Resistance, Current, Power Dissipation, and Power Output:

Let the voltage output of the battery and resistances in the parallel connection be the same as the previously
considered series connection:
𝑉 = 12 𝑉, 𝑅1 = 1Ω, 𝑅2 = 6Ω 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅3 = 13Ω
 General Physics 2
Resistors in Series and Parallel

a. What is the total resistance?

b. Find the total current.
c. Calculate the currents in each resistor and show that they add to equal the total current output of the
source.
d. Calculate the power dissipated by each resistor.
e. Find the power output of the source and show that it equals the total power dissipated by the resistors.

Strategy and solution for (a): The total resistance for a parallel combination of resistors is found using the
equation below. Entering known values gives
1 1 1 1
= + +
𝑅𝑃 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3
1 1 1 1
= + +
𝑅𝑃 1Ω 6Ω 13Ω
1 1 0.1667 0.0769 1.2436
= + + =
𝑅𝑃 Ω Ω Ω Ω

Note that in these calculations, each intermediate answer is shown with an extra digit. We must invert
this to find the coral resistance 𝑅𝑃 . This yields
Ω
𝑅𝑃 = = 0.8041 Ω
1.2436

Discussion for (a): 𝑅𝑃 , as predicted, is less than the smallest individual resistance.

Strategy and solution for (b): The total current can be found from Ohm's law, substituting 𝑅𝑃 for the total
resistance. This gives
𝑉 12𝑉
𝐼= = = 14.92 𝐴
𝑅𝑃 0.8041Ω

Discussion for (b): Current for each device is much larger than for the same devices connected in series. A
circuit with parallel connections has a smaller total resistance than the resistors connected in series.

Strategy and solution for (c): The individual currents are easily calculated from Ohm's law since each resistor
gets the full voltage. Thus,
𝑉 12𝑉
𝐼1 = = = 12.0 𝐴
𝑅1 1Ω
𝑉 12𝑉
𝐼2 = = = 2.0 𝐴
𝑅2 6Ω
𝑉 12𝑉
𝐼3 = = = 0.92 𝐴
𝑅3 13Ω
 General Physics 2
Resistors in Series and Parallel
Discussion for (c): The total current is the sum of the individual currents: 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 𝐼3 = 14.92 𝐴. This is
consistent with conservation of charge.

Strategy and solution for (d): The power dissipated by each resistor can be found using any of the equations
𝑉2
relating power to current, voltage, and resistance since all three are known. Let us use 𝑃 = since each
𝑅
resistor gets full voltage. Thus,

𝑉 2 (12𝑉)2
𝑃1 = = = 144 𝑊
𝑅1 1Ω
𝑉 2 (12𝑉)2
𝑃2 = = = 24 𝑊
𝑅2 6Ω
𝑉 2 (12𝑉)2
𝑃3 = = = 11.1 𝑊
𝑅3 13Ω

Discussion for (d): The power dissipated by each resistor is considerably higher in parallel than when
connected in series to the same voltage source.

Strategy and solution for (e): The total power can also be calculated in several ways. Choosing 𝑃 = 𝐼𝑉, and
entering the total current, yields
𝑃 = 𝐼𝑉 = (14.92 𝐴)(12 𝑉) = 179 𝑊.

Discussion for (e): Total power dissipated by the resistors is also 179 W. This is consistent with the law of
conservation of energy.
𝑃1 + 𝑃2 + 𝑃3 = 144𝑊 + 24𝑊 + 11.1𝑊 = 179𝑊

4.2 COMBINATIONS OF SERIES AND PARALLEL

More complex connections of resistors are sometimes just combinations of series and parallel
connections. These are commonly encountered, with wire resistance in series and other resistances in
parallel. Various parts are identified (series or parallel), reduced to their equivalents, and further reduced until
a single resistance is left.
 General Physics 2
Resistors in Series and Parallel

The figure above is an example of combination of seven resistors which has both series and parallel
parts. Each is identified and reduced to an equivalent resistance, and these are further reduced until a single
equivalent resistance is reached.
The simplest combination of series and parallel resistance is found in many applications. For
example, 𝑅1 could be the resistance of wires from a car battery to its electrical devices, which are in parallel.
𝑅2 and 𝑅3 could be the starter motor and a passenger compartment light.
Resistance in wires reduces the current and power delivered to a resistor. If wire resistance is
relatively large, as in a worn or a very long extension cord, then this loss can be significant. If a large current
is drawn, the IR drop in the wires can also be significant.
The device represented by 𝑅3 has a very low resistance, and so when it is switched on, a large
current flows. This increased current causes a larger IR drop in the wires represented by 𝑅1 , reducing the
voltage across the light bulb (which is 𝑅2 ), which then dims noticeably.
 General Physics 2
Resistors in Series and Parallel

The figure above is an example of series and parallel combinations. These three resistors are
connected to a voltage sources so that 𝑅2 , and 𝑅3 are in parallel with one another and that combination is
in series with 𝑅1 .

Series and Parallel Resistors: Problem-solving Strategies

1. Draw a clear circuit diagram, labeling all resistors and voltage sources. This step includes a list of what
you know about the problem (the knowns) since they are labeled in your circuit diagram.
2. Identify exactly what needs to be determined in the problem. Identify the unknowns. A written list is useful.
3. Determine whether resistors are in series, parallel, or a combination of both series and parallel. Examine
the circuit diagram to make this assessment. Resistors are in series if the same current must pass
sequentially through them.
4. Use the appropriate list of major features for series or parallel connections to solve for the unknowns.
There is one list for series and another for parallel. If your problem has a combination of series and
parallel, reduce it in steps by considering individual groups of series or parallel connections, as done in
the examples Special note: When finding R, the reciprocal must be taken with care.

5. Check to see whether the answers are reasonable and consistent. Units and numerical results must be
reasonable. Total series resistance should be greater, whereas total parallel resistance should be
smaller, for example. Power should be greater for the same devices in parallel compared with series,
and so on.

The derivations of the expressions for series and parallel resistance are based on the laws of
conservation of energy and conservation of charge, which state that total charge and total energy are
constant in any process. These two laws are directly involved in all electrical phenomena and will be invoked
repeatedly to explain both specific effects and the general behavior of electricity.