Determining whether resistors are connected in parallel or series involves examining their physical and electrical connections within a circuit:
To ascertain if resistors are connected in series, observe whether they form a single continuous path for current flow. In a series configuration, each resistor connects end-to-end, with the current passing sequentially through each resistor. Additionally, in series, the same current flows through all resistors, and the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances.
Identifying resistors connected in parallel involves checking if both ends of multiple resistors are connected to the same two points or nodes in the circuit. In parallel, each resistor has its own path for current to flow from one terminal to the other, creating multiple branches that lead to the common nodes. In this configuration, the voltage across each resistor is the same, while the total resistance decreases compared to a single resistor due to the reciprocal formula for parallel resistances.
To differentiate between parallel and series resistance, consider the paths of current flow and the connections between resistors. In series, resistors share the same current path sequentially, with each resistor adding to the total resistance. In contrast, parallel resistors have separate current paths but share the same voltage across their terminals. Understanding these configurations is essential for correctly analyzing and designing circuits, ensuring proper current distribution and voltage division as required by the circuit’s operational needs.