Which has a greater total resistance, a series circuit or a parallel circuit and why?
I know i have repeated this question again, but I need someone to help me..
In general it is the series circuit. If you take any three resistors and hook them in series the total R is the sum. If you hook them in parallel total R is smaller than the lowest resistor you have in the circuit. Try it
R1 = 10 ohms
R1 = 20
R3 = 50
R in series is 80 ohms.
R in parallel is 5.8 ohms.
No problem! I'd be happy to help you understand the difference between series and parallel circuits and why one may result in a greater total resistance than the other.
In a series circuit, the components are connected in a single path, where the current flows through one component and then through the next component. This means that the same current flows through each component. In a series circuit, the total resistance is equal to the sum of the individual resistances. So, if you have multiple components with resistance values of R1, R2, R3, etc., the total resistance (RTotal) would be R1 + R2 + R3 + ...
On the other hand, in a parallel circuit, the components are connected in multiple paths, providing separate paths for the current to flow through. This means that the voltage is the same across each component. In a parallel circuit, the total resistance is calculated differently. The reciprocal of the total resistance (RTotal) is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances. So, if you have multiple components with resistance values of R1, R2, R3, etc., the equation for total resistance (RTotal) would be:
1/RTotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ...
Now, to answer your question, in a series circuit, the total resistance increases with the addition of more resistors because the resistors are effectively arranged one after the other, creating a longer path for current flow. On the other hand, in a parallel circuit, the total resistance decreases with the addition of more resistors because the additional paths for current flow decrease the overall resistance.
Therefore, generally speaking, a parallel circuit will have a lower total resistance than a series circuit.