drive an expression for the equivalent resistance of three resistance connected in series and parallel
Answers
Series combination of resistors : If a number of resistors are joined end to end so that the same current flows through each of them in succession, then the resistors are said to be connected in series.
As shown in the figure, consider three resistors R1, R2, R3 connected in series. Suppose a current I flows through the circuit when a cell of V volt is connected across the combination.
By Ohm’s law, the potential differences across the three resistors will be,
V1 = IR1, V2 = IR2, V3 = IR3
If Rs be the equivalent resistance of the series combination, then on applying a potential difference V across it, the same current I must flow through it.
Therefore,
Laws of resistances in series:
(i) Current through each resistance is same
(ii) Total voltage across the combination = sum of the voltage drops
(iii) Voltage drop across any resistor is proportional to its resistance
(iv) Equivalent resistance = sum of the individual resistances
(v) Equivalent resistance is larger than the largest individual resistance.
Parallel combination of resistors : If a number of resistors are connected in
between two common points so that each of them provides a separate path for current, then they are said to be connected in parallel.
As shown in the figure, consider three resistors R1, R2, R3 connected in parallel.
Suppose a current I flows through the circuit when a cell of voltage V is connected across the combination. The current I at point A is divided into three parts I1, I2, I3 through the resistors R1, R2, R3 respectively. These three parts recombine at point B to give same current I.
∴ I = I1 + I2 + I3
As all the three resistors have been connected between the same two points A and B, voltage V across each of them is same. By Ohm’s law,
If RP be equivalent resistance of parallel combination, then,
Laws of resistance in parallel:
(i) Voltage across each resistor is same and is equal to the applied voltage.
(ii) Total current = sum of the currents through the individual resistances.
(iii) Currents through various resistance are inversely proportional to the individual resistances.
(iv) Reciprocal of equivalent resistance = sum of reciprocals of individual resistances.
(v) Equivalent resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance.