Resistors in parallel , Physics

Assignment Help:

Resistor in Parallel 

Components are said to be in parallel when they are connected in such a way as to provide alternative paths for current flow.

1869_resistor in parallel.png

The characteristics of such a parallel combination are:

  • The voltage across each component is the same.
  • The current through each component is determined by the resistance of that component
  • Ohm's law applies to each component connected in parallel.

In the diagram below.         V1 = V2 = V3 = V


and                                        I = I1 + I2 + I3   (by Kirchoff's first law) 

307_resistor in parallel1.png

From Ohm's law      I = V/R   

 

Therefore     2190_resistor in parallel2.png

and  465_resistor in parallel3.png

Hence the three resistors shown above may be replaced by a single resistor of value RTOTAL which may be computed using the above equation.  Note that the most usual error which occurs when using this equation is to forget that the calculation on the right hand side of the equation gives the reciprocal of the equivalent resistance 1\RTOTAL and therefore needs inverting to find RTOTAL.       


To avoid this possible error the equation may be remembered in the form:

 

2304_resistor in parallel4.png

Having found RTOTAL it is now possible to use Ohm's law to calculate either V or I, providing one of the two is known.  Knowing V (= V1 = V2 = V3 etc) it is now possible to find the current values through the branches I1, I2, I3­ etc (provided of course that R1, R2, R3 etc are known).

  • As a check, the total resistance of any parallel combination of resistors should always be less than the value of the lowest resistor in the network.

Related Discussions:- Resistors in parallel

Find out which liquid has greater refractive index, In a Newton's ring set ...

In a Newton's ring set up, the gap between the glass plate and the lens is filled with a transparent liquid. If the liquid is replaced by a second liquid, the rings shrink. Which o

Reasoning question from motion in 1 and 2 dimensions, make reasoning questi...

make reasoning questions from motion in 1 and 2 dimensions

Motion in one dimension, a car with an initial speed of 24.5 km/hr accelera...

a car with an initial speed of 24.5 km/hr accelerates at a uniform rate of 0.98 m/s^2 for 5.6sec. find the final speed and displacement of the car during this time.

Action and reaction in pushing forces, Action and reaction in pushing force...

Action and reaction in pushing forces Forces work in pairs. If you push against a wall, the wall pushes with equivalent force back against you. Secure two kitchen spring balanc

The effects of open circuits, The effects of open circuits: An open cir...

The effects of open circuits: An open circuit is essentially a break in the circuit. An open circuit in a series circuit will prevent the flow of current through the circuit. W

Evaluatre the magnitude of the gravitational force, A 2400-kg satellite is ...

A 2400-kg satellite is in a circular orbit around a planet. The satellite travels with a constant speed of 6.67x10 3 m/s. What is the acceleration of the satellite? Determine the m

What is electrostatic shielding, Q. What is electrostatic shielding? i...

Q. What is electrostatic shielding? i) It is the method of isolating a certain region of space from external field. ii) It is basis on the fact that electric field inside a

Horizontal spring , Normal 0 false false false EN-IN ...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Vector, If A=3i+j+3k, B=-2i-4j-3k and c=2i+4j+3k. Find a unit vector parall...

If A=3i+j+3k, B=-2i-4j-3k and c=2i+4j+3k. Find a unit vector parallel to 3A-2B+4C

How is energy transformed in windmills, How is energy transformed in windmi...

How is energy transformed in windmills? Essentially what occurs is that as the energy from the wind rotates the vanes of the mill, coils of wire move inside a permanent magnet

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd