Ohm’s Law Parallel Circuits

Parallel Circuit
A parallel circuit is one in which all
positive terminals are connected to
a common point and all negative
terminals are connected to a
second common point.
As a result, the current flows
through separate branches to
reach components.
With this type of circuit, it is
helpful to remember:

The voltage is the same across

each branch.
The total current (amperes) is
equal to the sum of the individual
branch currents.
The total circuit resistance is
always less than the smallest
resistance of any branch. (Power
must be removed to measure
resistance with an ohmmeter.)
Voltage, Current, and
Resistance Relationship in a
Parallel Circuit.
Calculating Resistance in a Parallel
Circuit

Remember, in calculating the total

resistance of a series circuit, add
up each resistance. RT=R1+R2+R3
Calculating total resistance is more
complicated in parallel circuits.
When resistances are combined,
the total resistance grows smaller.
The more paths for electricity to
flow, the easier it is for the source
to “push” current through the
circuit.
Consider a water tank with a
pipe and two faucets.

If one was opened, the water

would flow at about one gallon per
minute, emptying in ten minutes.
Consider a water tank with a
pipe and two faucets.

If one was opened, the water

would flow at about one gallon per
minute, emptying in ten minutes.
Consider a water tank with a
pipe and two faucets.

If the second faucet is the same as

the first (flowing at one gallon per
minute), twice as much water will
flow.
Consider a water tank with a
pipe and two faucets.

This means total flow will now be

two gallons per minute.
The 10-gallon tank will empty in
five minutes.
In an electrical circuit, the current
flow is twice as much, and the
opposition to current is half as
much.
Parallel circuit
In an electrical circuit, the same
laws of physics apply.
As the resistances are combined in
parallel and more paths to current
flow are made, total resistance
decreases and total current flow
increases.
Parallel circuit : with only two
resistors

In calculating total resistance of

two parallel resistors, use the
following formula:
Parallel Resistances of
Equal Value
This circuit is a parallel circuit with
four resistive loads.
All the load resistance are of equal
value.
Parallel Resistances of
Equal Value
To calculate
total resistance
in a parallel
circuit with
branch
resistances of
equal value,
use the
following:
Parallel Circuit : resistances of equal
value
Parallel Circuit :More then two
When more than two loads are
connected in parallel, the above
formulas CAN NOT be used to
calculate RT.
If the loads are 200, 275, 330 all in
parallel, calculate total resistance (RT)
using the following formula.
The End