Combination of Resistors in Series & Parallel

About This Project

Learn about series and parallel combinations. Find out the value of resistors in series and a parallel connection.

Project Info

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Estimated Time: 30 minute
• Category: Snap Circuit
• Tags: Electronics, Multimeter, Resistors, Parallel & Series Combination

Introduction

Resistors are passive electronic components that are designed to impede or limit the flow of electric current through a circuit. They are one of the most common and essential components in electronic circuits, used in a wide range of applications, including power supplies, amplifiers, and digital circuits.

Resistors are typically made of a material that has a high resistance to the flow of electric currents, such as carbon, metal, or metal oxide. The resistance of a resistor is measured in ohms, which is represented by the symbol Ω. The value of the resistance determines how much current will flow through the circuit, and it can be adjusted by changing the physical size of the resistor or by using different materials.

For more information about resistors click here.

What is a Series Combination?

In electronics, resistors are often combined in series to achieve a specific resistance value. When resistors are connected in series, their resistances add up to give a total resistance. The formula for the total resistance of a series combination of resistors is:

R = R1 + R2 + R3 + … + Rn

where R is the total resistance and R1, R2, R3, …, Rn are the individual resistances.

For example, if two resistors with values of 10 ohms and 20 ohms are connected in series, the total resistance would be:

R = 10 ohms + 20 ohms = 30 ohms

Similarly, if three of them with values of 5 ohms, 10 ohms, and 15 ohms are connected in series, the total resistance would be:

R = 5 ohms + 10 ohms + 15 ohms = 30 ohms

When combined in series, the current passing through each resistor is the same, while the voltage across each resistor is proportional to its resistance value. This property can be used to divide a voltage across several resistors of different values in a precise manner.

It is also important to note that in a series combination if one resistor fails or breaks, the entire circuit will fail because there is no alternative path for the current to flow.

What is a Parallel Combination?

In electronics, resistors are often combined in parallel to achieve a specific resistance value. When they are connected in parallel, their reciprocal resistances add up to give the reciprocal of the total resistance. The formula for the total resistance of a parallel combination is:

1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + … + 1/Rn

where R is the total resistance and R1, R2, R3, …, Rn are the individual resistances.

For example, if two resistors with values of 10 ohms and 20 ohms are connected in parallel, the total resistance would be:

1/R = 1/10 ohms + 1/20 ohms = 0.15

R = 1/0.15 = 6.67 ohms

Similarly, if three of them with values of 5 ohms, 10 ohms, and 15 ohms are connected in parallel, the total resistance would be:

1/R = 1/5 ohms + 1/10 ohms + 1/15 ohms = 0.6667

R = 1/0.6667 = 1.5 ohms

When they are combined in parallel, the voltage across each resistor is the same, while the current passing through each resistor is proportional to its resistance value. This property can be used to combine resistors of different values in order to create a specific resistance value.

It is important to note that in a parallel combination if one resistor fails or breaks, the others in the circuit will continue to function normally, as the current can still flow through the other.

Series & Parallel Combination Formulae

Project: Combination of Resistors in Series & Parallel

Now that we have a clear understanding of the project and the components used, let’s start the project.

Components Required

Other Components Required

• Base Grid: The base grid works like the printed circuit boards that are found in most electronic products. It is a platform that is used to mount the parts and wires for circuit building.
• Snap Wires: The blue snap wires are the wires used to connect one component with another component. These wires are used to transport electricity. Snap wires come in different lengths so that the orderly arrangement of connections can be made on the base grid. These wires have numbers 1,2, 3, 4, and 5 on them depending on the length of the wire connection required.
• Resistors: These electronic devices are used to resist the flow of electricity and control or limit the electricity in a circuit. Increasing circuit resistance reduces the flow of electricity. These are used throughout electronics to limit the amount of current that flows.
• Multimeter: A multimeter is an instrument used for measuring the electric current, voltage, and resistance over several ranges of value. Apart from these, it can also test for continuity, transistor, and capacitor. it is also known as a volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM), as the unit is equipped with a voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter functionality

Building Guide

• Take out all the necessary components from the snap circuit box.

For series connection

• Place the components on the base grid as shown below:

• Next, connect the resistors with the connectors.

• Rotate the knob of a multimeter to the resistance section and connect the lead of a multimeter to both the terminals of the resistors as shown below:

• Now, we can see the value of the resistance connected in series.

For parallel connection

• Place the components on the snap circuit base grid as shown below:

• Connect the resistors with the connectors.

• Connect the lead of a multimeter to both the terminals of the resistors to see the value of the resistors connected in a parallel connection. With this, we have come to an end to this tutorial.

The difference in the value of resistance between the series and parallel connections helps us get a better idea of the connection and change in resistance when connected in parallel and series. This is why it is advised to make the correct connection to meet the requirement.

With this, we have come to an end to this tutorial. Hope you enjoyed the tutorial. Leave a comment below to let us know.