INTERPRETING SIMPLE CIRCUIT WITH RESISTOR

1.1. Identify the different kind of circuit.

1.2. Calculate the total resistance of each circuit.
1.3. Explain the use of resistor in each circuit.

INTRODUCTION
None is a perfect conductor. You’ve also seen some examples of circuits
containing components designed to oppose the flow of current. This chapter
more closely examines resistors—devices that oppose, control, or limit
electrical current.
Why, you might ask, would anyone want to put things into a circuit to
reduce the current? Isn’t it true that resistors always dissipate some power
as heat, and that this in- variably means that a circuit becomes less efficient
than it would be without the resistor? Well, it’s true that resistors always
dissipate some power as heat. But resistors can optimize the ability of a
circuit to generate or amplify a signal, making the circuit maximally efficient
at whatever it is designed to do.

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Resistor in Series
Resistors are said to be connected in series when they are daisy chained 1. What is the
together in a single line resulting in a common current flowing through importance of
them a resistor in
circuit?
2. Why is it
important to
compute for
the total
resistance of
Individual resistors can be connected together in either a series each circuit?
connection, a parallel connection or combinations of both series and
parallel, to produce more complex resistor networks whose equivalent
resistance is the mathematical combination of the individual resistors
connected together. A resistor is not only a fundamental electronic
component that can be used to convert a voltage to a current or a current
to a voltage, but by correctly adjusting its value a different weighting can
be placed onto the converted current and/or the voltage allowing it to be
used in voltage reference circuits and applications. Resistors in series or
complicated resistor networks can be replaced by one single equivalent
resistor, REQ or impedance, ZEQ and no matter what the combination or
complexity of the resistor network is, all resistors obey the same basic
rules as defined by Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Circuit Laws.

Resistors are said to be connected in “Series”, when they are daisy chained
together in a single line. Since all the current flowing through the first
resistor has no other way to go it must also pass through the second resistor
and the third and so on. Then, resistors in series have a Common
Current flowing through them as the current that flows through one
resistor must also flow through the others as it can only take one path. Then the amount of current that
flows through a set of resistors in series will be the same at all points in a series resistor network. For
example:

In the following example the resistors R1, R2 and R3 are all connected together in series between
points A and B with a common current, I flowing through them.
Series Resistor Circuit

As the resistors are connected together in series the same current passes through each resistor in the
chain and the total resistance, RT of the circuit must be equal to the sum of all the individual resistors
added together. That is

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and by taking the individual values of the resistors in our simple example above, the total equivalent
resistance, REQ is therefore given as:
REQ = R1 + R2 + R3 = 1kΩ + 2kΩ + 6kΩ = 9kΩ

So, we see that we can replace all three individual resistors above with just one single “equivalent”
resistor which will have a value of 9kΩ.

Where four, five or even more resistors are all connected together in a series circuit, the total or
equivalent resistance of the circuit, RT would still be the sum of all the individual resistors connected
together and the more resistors added to the series, the greater the equivalent resistance (no matter what
their value).

This total resistance is generally known as the Equivalent Resistance and can be defined as; “a single
value of resistance that can replace any number of resistors in series without altering the values of the
current or the voltage in the circuit”. Then the equation given for calculating total resistance of the
circuit when connecting together resistors in series is given as:

Series Resistor Equation

Rtotal = R1 + R2 + R3 + ….. Rn etc.
Note then that the total or equivalent resistance, RT has the same effect on the circuit as the original
combination of resistors as it is the algebraic sum of the individual resistances.

If two resistances or impedances in series are equal and of the same value, then the total or equivalent
resistance, RT is equal to twice the value of one resistor. That is equal to 2R and for three equal resistors
in series, 3R, etc.

If two resistors or impedances in series are unequal and of different values, then the total or equivalent
resistance, RT is equal to the mathematical sum of the two resistances. That is equal to R1 + R2. If three
or more unequal (or equal) resistors are connected in series then the equivalent resistance
is: R1 + R2 + R3 +…, etc.

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One important point to remember about resistors in series networks to check that your math’s is correct.
The total resistance (RT) of any two or more resistors connected together in series will always
be GREATER than the value of the largest resistor in the chain. In our example above RT = 9kΩ where
as the largest value resistor is only 6kΩ.

Resistor in Parallel

In the previous series resistor network, we saw that the total resistance, RT of the circuit was equal to
the sum of all the individual resistors added together. For resistors in parallel the equivalent circuit
resistance RT is calculated differently.

Here, the reciprocal (1/R) value of the individual resistances are all added together instead of the
resistances themselves with the inverse of the algebraic sum giving the equivalent resistance as shown.

Parallel Resistor Equation

Then the inverse of the equivalent resistance of two or more resistors connected in parallel is the
algebraic sum of the inverses of the individual resistances.

If the two resistances or impedances in parallel are equal and of the same value, then the total or
equivalent resistance, RT is equal to half the value of one resistor. That is equal to R/2 and for three
equal resistors in parallel, R/3, etc.

Note that the equivalent resistance is always less than the smallest resistor in the parallel network so the
total resistance, RT will always decrease as additional parallel resistors are added.

We now know that resistors that are connected between the same two points are said to be in parallel.
But a parallel resistive circuit can take many forms other than the obvious one given above and here
are a few examples of how resistors can be connected together in parallel.

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Various Parallel Resistors Network

The five resistive networks above may look different to each other, but they are all arranged
as Resistors in Parallel and as such the same conditions and equations apply.

Resistors in Parallel Example No.1

Find the total resistance, RT of the following resistors connected in a parallel network.

The total resistance RT across the two terminals A and B is calculated as:

This method of reciprocal calculation can be used for calculating any number of individual resistances
connected together within a single parallel network.

If, however, there are only two individual resistors in parallel then we can use a much simpler and
quicker formula to find the total or equivalent resistance value, R T and help reduce the reciprocal maths
a little.

This much quicker product-over-sum method of calculating two resistors in parallel, either having equal
or unequal values is given as:

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Resistors in Parallel Example No2
Consider the following circuit which has only two resistors in a parallel combination.

Using our formula above for two resistors connected together in parallel we can calculate the total
circuit resistance, RT as:

One important point to remember about resistors in parallel, is that the total circuit resistance (RT) of
any two resistors connected together in parallel will always be LESS than the value of the smallest
resistor in that combination.

In our example above, the value of the combination was calculated as: RT = 15kΩ, whereas the value
of the smallest resistor is 22kΩ, much higher. In other words, the equivalent resistance of a parallel
network will always be less than the smallest individual resistor in the combination.
Also, in the case of R1 being equal to the value of R2, that is R1 = R2, the total resistance of the network
will be exactly half the value of one of the resistors, R/2.

Likewise, if three or more resistors each with the same value are connected in parallel, then the
equivalent resistance will be equal to R/n where R is the value of the resistor and n is the number of
individual resistances in the combination.

For example, six 100Ω resistors are connected together in a parallel combination. The equivalent
resistance will therefore be: RT = R/n = 100/6 = 16.7Ω. But note that this ONLY works for equivalent
resistors. That is resistors all having the same value.

Resistor in Series Parallel Circuit

Resistors can be connected together in an unlimited number of series and parallel combinations to form
complex resistive circuits.

In the previous tutorials we have learnt how to connect individual resistors together to form either a
Series Resistor Network or a Parallel Resistor Network and we used Ohms Law to find the various
currents flowing in and voltages across each resistor combination. But what if we want to connect
various resistors together in “BOTH” parallel and series combinations within the same circuit to
produce more complex resistive networks, how do we calculate the combined or total circuit resistance,
currents and voltages for these resistive combinations. Resistor circuits that combine series and parallel
resistors networks together are generally known as Resistor Combination or mixed resistor circuits.
The method of calculating the circuits equivalent resistance is the same as that for any individual series
or parallel circuit and hopefully we now know that resistors in series carry exactly the same current and
that resistors in parallel have exactly the same voltage across them.

For example, in the following circuit calculate the total current (IT)
taken from the 12v supply.

At first glance this may seem a difficult task, but if we look a little
closer, we can see that the two resistors, R2 and R3 are actually
both connected together in a “SERIES” combination so we can
add them together to produce an equivalent resistance the same as

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we did in the series resistor tutorial. The resultant resistance for
this combination would therefore be:
R2 + R3 = 8Ω + 4Ω = 12Ω

So, we can replace both resistor R2 and R3 above with a single

resistor of resistance value 12Ω

So, our circuit now has a single resistor RA in “PARALLEL” with

the resistor R4. Using our resistors in parallel equation we can
reduce this parallel combination to a single equivalent resistor
value of R(combination) using the formula for two parallel connected
resistors as follows.

The resultant resistive circuit now looks something like this:

We can see that the two remaining resistances, R1 and R(comb) are connected together in a “SERIES”
combination and again they can be added together (resistors in series) so that the total circuit resistance
between points A and B is therefore given as:
R(ab) = Rcomb + R1 = 6Ω + 6Ω = 12Ω

Directions: In 3-5 sentences write an essay about the importance of interpreting ang computing for the
total resistance.
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Score Completion Accuracy Comprehension Organization Conventions

5 The answer is complete. All information Content demonstrates a deep Content is well-organized No major grammatical or
provided is understanding of, and and easy to read. Points spelling errors. No more than
accurate. engagement with, the text(s). follow a logical progression. two minor errors.
4 The answer is missing All information Content demonstrates Content is well-organized No major grammatical or
slight details provided is understanding of, and and easy to read. Points spelling errors. No more than
accurate. engagement with, the text(s), follow a logical progression. five minor errors.
3 The answer is missing Most information Content demonstrates basic Content is organized and Some major and minor errors
multiple details. provided is understanding of the text(s). easy to read. Points follow a that don’t necessarily impair
accurate. mostly logical progression. communication.
2 Content suggests lack of Some information Content demonstrates less than Content may be Major and minor errors
preparation or provided is basic understanding of the text(s). unorganized and difficult to significantly weaken quality of
comprehension. accurate. read. Points do not follow a communication, although still
solidly logical progression. comprehensible.
1 Content only marginally A small amount of Content demonstrates a lack of Content is unorganized, Communication seriously
related to the the information is understanding of the text(s). illogical, and difficult to impaired by multitude of
question/prompt. accurate. read. spelling/grammatical errors.
0 Content fails to meet the None of the Content demonstrates a complete Content is very poorly Multitude of major and minor
basic requirements of the information lack of understanding of the organized, illogical, and errors make answer
task. provided is text(s). difficult to read. incomprehensible.
accurate.

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Directions: In any size of bond paper, draw the following circuit using schematic diagram for 20 points
each.

Series
R1=15Ω R2=23Ω R3=31Ω

Parallel
R1=22Ω R2=30Ω R4=33Ω R5=39Ω

1-3 4-6 7-10

Content The symbol is There is one The circuit is correct and
incorrect and too hard incorrect symbol all the symbol is correct.
to recognize. in the circuit.
Accuracy The resistance value is Displays Demonstrates
incorrect. knowledge about comprehensive
the circuit. knowledge with
understanding in
illustrating a circuit.

Gibilisco, S. (2020). Teach yourself electricity and electronics [Ebook] (3rd ed.).

Grob, B. (1988, December 1). Basic Electronics by Grob, Bernard. Name.

https://www.biblio.com/basic-electronics-by-grob-bernard/work/67711

Series and Parallel Circuits - learn.sparkfun.com. (2021). Electronics.

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/series-and-parallel-circuits/series-circuits

Storr, W. (2018, July 8). Resistors in Series - Series Connected Resistors. Basic Electronics Tutorials.
https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/resistor/res_3.html#.XxZ5CDl87Sk.gmail

Tactical Foundation - Research and Extension Program. (2021c). K to 12 electronics learning module.
Electronics. https://www.slideshare.net/salmanranaw/k-to-12-electronics-learning-module-
29530510

Module Creator/Curator : Mr. ALDWIN E. LACSA

: Mrs. ANGELICA B. OLARTE
Template and Layout Designer : Ms. TIMMY ANNE A. LOPEZ
: Mrs. ANGELICA B. OLARTE