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Resistors in Series or in Parallel. Chapter 20 Section 2. Single Resistor Alone. In a circuit that consist of single bulb and a battery, the potential difference across the bulb equals the terminal voltage. The current can be found using Ohm’s Law if the resistance is known. Series .
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Resistors in Series or in Parallel Chapter 20 Section 2
Single Resistor Alone • In a circuit that consist of single bulb and a battery, the potential difference across the bulb equals the terminal voltage. • The current can be found using Ohm’s Law if the resistance is known.
Series • Series – Describes a circuit or portion of a circuit that provides a single conducting path without junctions. • Charges that pass through one resistor must pass through the second resistor and then the third and so on. • All charges follow the same path then it is said to be connected in series.
Conservation of Charge • According to conservation of charge, the amount of charge that enters a resistor must equal the amount of charge leaving the resistor. • Resistors that are connected in series, the current in each resistor is the same.
Total Resistance • Equivalent Resistance – The total resistance of the circuit. • The equivalent resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the circuits resistance. • The equivalent resistance can then be used to find the current in the circuit as long as the voltage is known.
Resistors in Series Equation • Req = Equivalent Resistance • To find the total current in a series circuit, first simplify the circuit to a single equivalent resistance
Potential Difference Across Resistors • The potential difference across each resistor is different. • The current across each resistor is constant. V1 = IR1 V2 = IR2 V3 = IR3
Why Use Series Circuits? • Resistors placed in series can regulate the current in a device. • Lots of resistors will make the current very low. • This is why Christmas lights are in series so the filament doesn’t have to withstand high currents which could cause fires. • Several lesser resistors can make one large equivalent resistor which may not be available.
Parallel Circuits • Parallel – Describes two or more components in a circuit that are connected across common points or junctions, providing separate conducting paths for the current. • The advantage to parallel circuits is that if one of the lights on a strained go out, the rest of the lights remain lit.
Resistors In Parallel & Voltage • Resistors in parallel have the same potential difference across them. • The current across the resistors vary on the strength of resistance.