Series and Parallel Circuits
Q.1: Why is the voltage drop across each resistor the same in the case of a parallel resistor?
Answer:
In case of parallel circuits, the end points of each resistor is at same potential to that of the input voltage. This is the reason why potential drop across each resistor is same in case of parallel circuits.
Q.2: What is the formula for equivalent resistance in the case of series and parallel circuits?
Answer:
For a series circuit: Req = R1 + R2 + R3 + ….. + Rn For a parallel circuit: 1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 +1/R3 + …… + 1/Rn
Q.3: Will the concept change if other circuit elements like capacitors and inductors are connected along with resistors?
Answer:
If Inductors and Capacitors are connected along with resistors, the behaviour of current will not change. But instead of calculating equivalent resistance, we need to calcuate the total impedance of the circuit. The following formulas are helpful: Reactance of capacitor (XC) = 1/(2fC) Reactance of inductor (XL) = 2fL Total Impedance (Z) = sqrt( R2 + (XL – XC)2 )
What is the Difference Between Series and Parallel Circuits?
To understand the difference between series and parallel circuits, let us first define what a circuit is.
An electric circuit is defined as a closed loop of conducting elements through which current can flow. An electric circuit basically consists of the following components:
- Voltage or a Current source
- Connecting wires
- Elements like Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, transistors, diodes, etc.