How would I know if the the connected resistors are in parallel or series?
in your imagination, cut one of the wires at the end of the resistance with a wire cutter. if the whole separates into two distinct pieces, they were in series; otherwise, they were in parallel.
The resistors have 2 ends a and b (say)
if one of the following resistors in a string is connected to the end b of the previous one, this is a serial connection.
If all as is, and all bs are together in the chain, then it is a parallel (or transversal) connection.
Well, one way is to check if the overall resistance increases or decreases.
When a resistor is added to another resistor in series, the overall resistance increases.
When a resistor is added to another resistor in parallel, the overall resistance decreases. The resistors
2 can be in series, in parallel but most of the time either, but it is a much more complicated arrangement.
if all the current flowing in r1 arrives (or goes) to r2 then r1 and r2 are in series.
if r1 and r2 have the same voltage on both sides as they are in parallel.
that is just about everything.
Well, it is quite easy to check or to know if two resistors are in series or in parallel.
if they are in series: the end of the first resistance will be connected at the beginning of the second resistance.
if they are parallel: the beginning and the end of the resistor are connected together.
if we talk about voltage and current:
the voltage will be different from the same current if it is connected in series and the same voltage and different current if it is connected in parallel.
If both resistors have the same voltage drop, they are connected in parallel.
If both resistors have the same current, they are connected in series.
Let’s say that the first two conditions did not help you determine the connection. this would be the case if the resistances have equal resistance.
you can also measure the resistance on individual resistances, then the total resistance.
If the total resistance is lower than that of the individuals, they are connected in parallel. otherwise, they will be connected in series.
I hope that helps you. moreover, it would be easier to help you if you presented a particular case.
As long as you know the nodes that each resistor connects, it is easy to determine.
if each resistor connects the same pair of nodes, they are in parallel.
If both resistors have only one common node, they are in series.
If you are a high school student and you solve assignments, all nodes connected by threads are considered a single node. it is because the voltage drop across a wire is practically zero.
hope this help.
turn off the circuit.
use a multimeter, set it to the resistance range, then measure the resistance value.
look at the value of the resistance by determining its value by the color code; If you get a reading below its nominal value, another (or more) resistor is connected in parallel.
Warning: This is not foolproof because you will measure the resistance effect caused by adjacent components such as transistors and possibly coils.
better check the circuit diagram if available.
Another way to avoid a problem in point 4 is to desolder a component wire and measure it according to point 2.
There are many variations of this condition. I just introduced the ones that are most common.
I hope this will help.
