Electric Circuits

Chapter 2
Equivalent Resistance
 Course Learning Objective
CLO 2
Find the equivalent resistance of a resistive
network using the series, parallel, Y−, and
−Y rules, as long as using the voltage &
current dividers theorems. [SO1]

2
 Electric Circuit (Series Circuit)

IT = I1 = I2 = I3 VT = V1 + V2 + V3

RT = R1 + R2 + R3 3
 Example 2-1
A series circuit has a 100 , a 150 , and a 250  resistors in series.
Calculate the total resistance of the circuit.

R1 = 100

RT = R1 + R2 + R3

RT = ? R2 = 150 RT = 100  + 150  + 250 

RT = 500 

R3 = 250
4
 Example 2-2
Calculate the total voltage in the circuit shown below.

V1 = 24v

R1
VT = V1 + V2 + V3

VT = ? R2 V2 = 36v VT = 24 volts + 36 volts + 60 volts

VT = 120 volts

R3
V3 = 60v

5
 Example 2-3
A series circuit has a 50, a 75, and a 100 resistor in series.
Calculate the voltage necessary to produce a current of 0.5A.

6
 Example 2-3
Step 1: Find circuit current.
As we already know, current is the same throughout a series
circuit, which is already given as 0.5 A.
Step 2: Find RT.
RT = R1 + R2 + R3
RT = 50  + 75  + 100 
RT = 225 
Step 3: Find VT. Use Ohm's law.
VT = IRT
VT = (0.5 amps)(225 )
VT = 112.5 volts
7
 Example 2-4
A 12.0 V battery is connected in series with three resistors: 40,
60, and 100.
Calculate the voltage across each resistor.

8
 Example 2-4
Step 1: Find total resistance.
RT = R1 + R2 + R3
RT = 40  + 60  + 100 
RT = 200 
Step 2: Find circuit current (I).
VT = IRT
Solving for I:
I = VT
RT
12.0 volts
I=
200 
I = 0.06 amps 9
 Example 2-4
Step 3: Find the voltage across each component.
V1 = IR1
V1 = (0.06 A)(40 )
V1 = 2.4 V
V2 = IR2
V2 = (0.06 A)(60 )
V2 = 3.6 V
V3 = IR3
V3 = (0.06 A)(100 )
V3 = 6.0 V

10
 Example 2-4
The voltages of V1, V2, and V3 in Example 2 are known
as "voltage drops" or "IR drops." Their effect is to
reduce the available voltage to be applied across the
other circuit components. The sum of the voltage
drops in any series circuit is always equal to the
applied voltage. We can verify our answer in this
example as follows:
VT = V1 + V2 + V3
12.0 volts = 2.4 volts + 3.6 volts + 6.0 volts
12.0 volts = 12.0 volts

11
Voltage Divider Theorem

𝑹𝒙
Vx = VT
𝑹𝒙 + 𝑹𝒚 + 𝑹𝒛 12
 Example 2-5
Show how dangerous is the resulting increase in current in the circuit shown
below if the resistance drops due to the short across the series resistors. The
short result in a 0.1  resistance, VB = 50 V.
RT = R1 + R2 + R3 = 15 + 20 + 10 = 45

E = IR E=IR

50V = (I)(45) 50
I=
0.1
50
I= I = 1.11 A
45 I = 500A

13
 Electric Circuit (Parallel Circuit)

I T = I1 + I2 + I3 V = V1 = V2 = V3
𝑉 𝑉 𝑉 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
IT = + + = + +
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑹𝑻 𝑹𝟏 𝑹𝟐 𝑹𝟑 14
 Example 2-6
Two resistors, each drawing 3A, and a third resistor,
drawing 2A, are connected in parallel across a 115 V
source. What is the total current?

IT = I1 + I2 + I3
IT = 3A + 3A +2A
IT = 8A

15
 Example 2-7
Two branches, R1 and R2, are across a 120 V power source.
The total current flow is 30 A. Branch R1 takes 22 amps.
What is the current flow in Branch R2?

IT = I1 + I2
I2 = IT - I1

I2 = 30A – 22A

I2 = 8 A

16
 Example 2-8
A parallel circuit contains the following resistors:
R1 = 15, R2 = 20 and R3 = 10.
The applied voltage is 120 V. Calculate the current flow
through each branch.

17
Example 2-8
V 120 V
I1 = = = 8A
R1 15
V 120 V
I2 = = = 6A
R2 20

V 120 V
I3 = = = 12A
R3 10

IT = I1 + I2 + I3
IT = 8A + 6A +12A
IT = 26A

18
 Example 2-9
Find the total resistance of a 4, an 8, and a 16 resistor in parallel.

1 1 1 1
= + +
R R1 R2 R3
T
19
Example 2-9
1 1 1 1
= + +
R R1 R2 R3
T

1 1 1 1
= + +
RT 4 8 16

1 4 2 1 7
= + + =
RT 16 16 16 16

16
RT = = 2.29 
7

20
 Example 2-10
A fourth resistor of 2  is added in parallel to the circuit in
Example 2-9. Calculate the new total resistance of the circuit.

1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
R R1 R2 R3 R4
T

1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
RT 4 8 16 2

1 4 2 1 8 15
= + + + =
RT 16 16 16 16 16

16
RT= = 1. 07 
15 21
 Current Divider
Consider the circuit shown in the figure . Here we have an independent current
source in parallel with two resistors.

22
 Current Divider Theorem

𝑹𝟐 𝑹𝟏
I1 = IT I2 = IT
𝑹𝟏 + 𝑹𝟐 𝑹𝟏 + 𝑹𝟐
23
 Current Divider Theorem

𝑹𝑻 𝑹𝑻 𝑹𝑻
I1 = IT I2 = IT I3 = IT
𝑹𝟏 𝑹𝟐 𝑹𝟑
24
 Current divider – Example
Given the network in the figure find I1, I2, and Vo using current division method.

25
 Equal Resistors in Parallel
R
RT =
N
Where:

RT = total resistance
R = resistance of one resistor
N = number of resistors

26
 Example 2-11
Five lamps, each with a resistance of 40 , are connected in
parallel. Find total resistance.
R
RT =
N
R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = R5 = 40

N=5

R 40
RT = = = 8
N 5

27
 Example 2-11
Alternate solution:
1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
R T R1 R 2 R 3 R 4

1 1 1 1 1 1
= + + + +
R T 40 40 40 40 40
1 5
=
R T 40
1 1
=
RT 8

RT = 8 
28
 Two Resistors in Parallel
R1 R2
RT =
R1 + R2
Where:

RT = resistance total (ohms)

R1 = resistance 1 (ohms)
R2 = resistance 2 (ohms)

29
 Example 2-12
Find the total resistance of a parallel circuit that has one 12
and one 4 resistor.
Alternate solution:
R1R 2 (12)( 4) 48 1 1 1
RT = = = = 3 = +
R1 + R 2 12 + 4 16 R T 12 4
1 1 3
= +
R T 12 12
1 4
=
R T 12
1 1
=
RT 3
RT = 3Ω 30
 Example 2-13
In certain cases involving two resistors in parallel, it is useful
to find an unknown resistor, Rx, to obtain a certain RT.

R Rx
RT =
R + Rx

(RT)(R+ RX) = RRX

RTR + RTRX = RRX

RRX - RTRX = RTR

RX (R - RT) = RTR

RT R
RX =
R − RT 31
 Example 2-14
Calculate the value of the resistance that must be added, in
parallel, with an 8 resistor to provide a total resistance of
6?
RT R
RX =
R − RT

=
(6 )(8 )
RX
8−6
RT= 6 R = 8 Rx = ?
=
(48 )
RX
2
RX = 24Ω

32
 Example 2-15
Show how dangerous is the resulting increase in current in the circuit shown
below if the resistance drops due to the short across the parallel resistors. The
short result in a 0.1  resistance. Let the input voltage equals 50V

1 1 1 1
= + +
R T R1 R 2 R 3
1 1 1 1
= + +
R T 15 20 10
15  20  10 
1 4 3 6
= + +
R T 60 60 60
1 13
=   RT = 4.6
RT 60
33
 Example 2-15
RT = 4.6

E=IR

50V = (I)(4.6)

50
I=
4.6

I = 10.8 A

34
 Example 2-15
The current due to the short is:

1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
R T R1 R 2 R3 R 4
1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
R T 15 20 10 0.1
1
= 10.2
RT

RT = 0.098 50 V
I=
0.098 
E=IR
I = 510.8 A
50V = (I)(0.098) 35
 Example 2-16 (I2.55)
Find the value of RAB in the circuit shown below.

36
Example 2-16 (I2.55)

37
Example 2-16 (I2.55)

RAB = 12 k

38
 Example 2-17 (I2.56)
Find the value of RAB in the circuit shown below.

39
Example 2-17 (I2.56)

RAB = 3 k

40
 Example 2-18 (I2.57)
Find the value of RAB in the circuit shown below.

41
Example 2-18 (I2.57)

42
Example 2-18 (I2.57)

RAB = 5.444 k

43
 Example 2-19 (I2.58)
Find the value of RAB in the circuit shown below.

RAB = 0  44
 Example 2-20 (I2.59)
Find the value of RAB in the circuit shown below.

RAB = 0  45
 Example 2-21 (I2.60)
Find the value of RAB in the circuit shown below.

46
Example 2-21 (I2.60)

47
Example 2-21 (I2.60)

48
Example 2-21 (I2.60)

49
Example 2-21 (I2.60)

50
Example 2-21 (I2.60)

51
Example 2-21 (I2.60)

RAB = 2 

52
 Example 2-22 (I2.61)
Find the value of RAB in the circuit shown below.

53
Example 2-22 (I2.61)

54
Example 2-22 (I2.61)

55
Example 2-22 (I2.61)

56
Example 2-22 (I2.61)

57
Example 2-22 (I2.61)

RAB = 4.8 

58
 Example 2-23 (I2.62)
Find the value of RAB in the circuit shown below.

59
Example 2-23 (I2.62)

60
Example 2-23 (I2.62)

61
Example 2-23 (I2.62)

62
Example 2-23 (I2.62)

63
Example 2-23 (I2.62)

64
Example 2-23 (I2.62)

65
Example 2-23 (I2.62)

RAB = 4 

66
 Example 2-24 (I2.63)
Find the value of RAB in the circuit shown below.

67
Example 2-24 (I2.63)

68
Example 2-24 (I2.63)

69
Example 2-24 (I2.63)

70
Example 2-24 (I2.63)

71
Example 2-24 (I2.63)

72
Example 2-24 (I2.63)

RAB = 7.2 
73
 Example 2-25 (H2.9)
Two resistances having values of R and 2R are in parallel. R and the
equivalent resistance are both integers. What are the possible values for R?

𝑅 × 2𝑅 2𝑅 2
Req =
𝑅 + 2𝑅 = 3𝑅

2𝑅
Req =
3

 R = 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, …  [multiple of 3]

74
 Example 2-26 (H2.11)
Two resistances R1 and R2 are connected in parallel. We know that R1 = 90
and that the current through R2 is three times the value of the current through
R1. Determine the value of R2.

V1 = V2 I1

I1 R1 = I2 R2

90 I1 = I2 R2

90 I1 = 3 I1 R2
I2
90 𝐼1
R2 =
3 𝐼1

 R2 = 30

75
 Example 2-27 (H2.14)
The heating element of an electric cook top has two resistive elements,
R1 = 57.6 and R2 = 115.2, that can be operated separately, in series, or in
parallel from voltages of either 120V or 240V. What are the minimum and
maximum powers.

2 2
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑛
Pmin = Pmax =
𝑅𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑅𝑚𝑖𝑛

2 2
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑛
= =
𝑅𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑅𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙

120 2 14400 240 2 57600

= = = =
57.6 + 115.2 172.8 57.6 // 115.2 38.4

 Pmin = 83.333 W  Pmax = 1500 W

76
 Example 2-28 (H2.15)
We are designing an electric space heater to operate from 120V. Two heating
elements with resistances R1 and R2 are to be used that can be operated in
parallel, separately, or in series. The highest power is to be 1280W, and the
lowest power is to be 240W. What values are needed for R1 and R2?

𝑉2 𝑉2
Pmin = Pmax =
𝑅𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑅𝑚𝑖𝑛

𝑉2 𝑉2
= =
𝑅𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑅𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙

120 2 14400 120 2 14400

240 = = 1280 = =
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 𝑅1 // 𝑅2 𝑅1 // 𝑅2

 R1 + R2 = 60 R1 // R2 = 11.25

77
 Example 2-28 (H2.15)
We are designing an electric space heater to operate from 120V. Two heating
elements with resistances R1 and R2 are to be used that can be operated in
parallel, separately, or in series. The highest power is to be 1280W, and the
lowest power is to be 240W. What values are needed for R1 and R2?

𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅12 − 60 R1 + 675 = 0
= 11.25
𝑅1 + 𝑅2
 R1 = 15 & R2 = 45
𝑅1 𝑅2
= 11.25
60
or R1 = 45 & R2 = 15
R1 R2 = 675

R1 [60 − R1] = 675

60 R1 − 𝑅12 = 675

78
 Example 2-29 (H2.17)
The equivalent resistance between terminals a and b in the figure below is
Rab = 23. Determine the value of R.

(12 // 6)

79
 Example 2-29 (H2.17)
The equivalent resistance between terminals a and b in the figure below is
Rab = 23. Determine the value of R.

[ (12 // 6) + R ]

80
 Example 2-29 (H2.17)
The equivalent resistance between terminals a and b in the figure below is
Rab = 23. Determine the value of R.

{ [ (12 // 6) + R ] // 80 }
81
 Example 2-29 (H2.17)
The equivalent resistance between terminals a and b in the figure below is
Rab = 23. Determine the value of R.

{ [ (12 // 6) + R ] // 80 } + 7
82
 Example 2-29 (H2.17)
The equivalent resistance between terminals a and b in the figure below is
Rab = 23. Determine the value of R.

{ [ (12 // 6) + R ] // 80 } + 7 = Rab
83
 Example 2-29 (H2.17)
The equivalent resistance between terminals a and b in the figure below is
Rab = 23. Determine the value of R.

{ [ (12 // 6) + R ] // 80 } + 7 = 23
84
 Example 2-29 (H2.17)
{ [ (12 // 6) + R ] // 80 } + 7 = 23

[ (12 // 6) + R ] // 80 = 16

[ 4 + R ] // 80 = 16

4 + 𝑅 × 80
= 16
4 + 𝑅 + 80

320 + 80𝑅
= 16
84 + 𝑅

320 + 80R = 1344 + 16R

80R − 16R = 1344 − 320

64R = 1024  R = 16

85
 Example 2-30 (H2.20)
The resistance for the network shown below between terminals a and b with c
open circuited is Rab = 50. Similarly, the resistance between terminals b and
c with a open is Rbc = 100, and between c and a with b open is Rac = 70.
Now, suppose that a short circuit is connected from terminal b to terminal c.
Determine the resistance between terminal a and the shorted terminals b−c.

 Req = Ra + (Rb // Rc) 86

 Example 2-30 (H2.17)
The resistance for the network shown below between terminals a and b with c
open circuited is Rab = 50. Similarly, the resistance between terminals b and
c with a open is Rbc = 100, and between c and a with b open is Rac = 70.
Now, suppose that a short circuit is connected from terminal b to terminal c.
Determine the resistance between terminal a and the shorted terminals b−c.
Ra + Rb = 50 Rb = 50 − Ra Req = Ra + (Rb // Rc)
Rb + Rc = 100 Req = 10 + (40 // 60)
Ra + Rc = 70 Rc = 70 − Ra Req = 10 + 24
50 − Ra + 70 − Ra = 100  Req = 34
120 − 2Ra = 100  Ra = 10

120 − 100 = 2Ra  Rb = 40

2Ra = 20  Rc = 60
87
 Homework 2-1
➢ Use chapter 2 in the Electrical Engineering Principles and
Applications 5th ed. by Hambley reference to solve the following
questions:

► 2.1
► 2.2
► 2.3
► 2.4
► 2.5
► 2.6 (a & b)
► 2.7
► 2.8
► 2.10
► 2.13

88
(T) or (Y) Network

89
(π) or (∆) Network

90
 ∆ - Y Conversion

R 1 R3
Ra =
R1 + R2 + R3

R 1 R2
Rb =
R1 + R2 + R3

Rc = R 2 R3

R1 + R2 + R3
91
 Y - ∆ Conversion

RaRb + RbRc + RcRa

R1 =
Rc

Ra Rb + Rb Rc + Rc Ra
R2 =
Ra

Ra Rb + Rb Rc + Rc Ra
R3 =
Rb
92
 Example 2-31
Find a single resistance to replace the network shown below.

93
 Example 2-31
➢ Using −Y

10 × 5
= 2
10 + 10 + 5

10 × 10
= 4
10 + 10 + 5

94
 Example 2-31
➢ Using −Y

95
 Example 2-31
➢ Using −Y

 Req = 21

96
 Example 2-32
Find a single resistance to replace the network shown below.

97
 Example 2-32
➢ Using −Y

10 × 4 40
=
10 + 8 + 4 22
10 × 8 80
=
10 + 8 + 4 22

4×8 32
=
10 + 8 + 4 22

98
 Example 2-32
➢ Using −Y

99
 Example 2-32
➢ Using −Y

 Req = 21

100
 Example 2-33
Find a single resistance to replace the network shown below.

101
 Example 2-33
➢ Using Y− 10 × 10 + 10 × 8 + (8 × 10)
= 32.5
8

10 × 10 + 10 × 8 + (8 × 10)
= 26
10

102
 Example 2-33
➢ Using Y−

103
 Example 2-33
➢ Using Y−

104
 Example 2-33
➢ Using Y−

105
 Example 2-33
➢ Using Y−

 Req = 21

106
 Example 2-34
Find a single resistance to replace the network shown below.

107
 Example 2-34
➢ Using Y− 10 × 5 + 10 × 4 + (5 × 4)
= 27.5
4

10 × 5 + 10 × 4 + (5 × 4)
= 11
10

10 × 5 + 10 × 4 + (5 × 4)
= 22
5

108
 Example 2-34
➢ Using Y−

109
 Example 2-34
➢ Using Y−

110
 Example 2-34
➢ Using Y−

111
 Example 2-34
➢ Using Y−

 Req = 21

112
 Homework 2-2
➢ Find the current passing through the voltage source in the circuit
shown below.

113