What are the rules for combining resistors in series circuits?
2007-03-25 13:41:06 · 9 answers · asked by angelgirl 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Here's a rule:
The current is the same in a series circuit. All the resistors will see the same current, so make sure they each have an appropriate wattage rating for your application.
watts = i^2 * R
2007-03-25 15:47:48 · answer #1 · answered by Thomas C 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There aren't any. Resistors have neither polarity, nor requirement of direction for current flow, such as a diode would. Line them up, connect them together, and do what ever it is that you are going to do with them. For parallel, even though this has not been asked, same basic "rule" applies, tie them together side by side, and do what ever it is that you are going to do with them. Resistors are what we call passive devices, the only thing that might be a concern is the wattage of the device and the voltage you apply to them. Exceed their power rating, and you get a nice pall of smoke.
2007-03-25 16:56:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In series, add the resistance. In parallel solve by 1/Rnew = (1/R1)+(1/R2)+...+(1/Rn). Then for practical purposes ensure (I*Ri) never is greater than the indicidual resistor wattage capacity and you'll kee from burning them. These are basic things too look for without getting into more serious real world considerations. Good enough for school work.
2007-03-25 15:29:46 · answer #3 · answered by felasbigdaddy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
combine the resistance of the series in parallel first.(8 and R2 first,then combine that answer with 10.) next ,purely combine the resistors in series. i'm assuming you recognize a thank you to try this.
2016-12-15 08:49:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rules? The only rule is that resistors in series are additive, i.e. the resistance of the string is the total of the individual resistances. I hope that's what you mean.
2007-03-25 13:43:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think one rule for when there in a parrallel is 2 of the same amount can be replaced by one of half value
say you got two that are 10 ohms, they can be replaced by a 5 ohms resistor. not sure if this is right. i haven't been in school or read my books since 04
2007-03-25 13:51:26 · answer #6 · answered by j-blueman07 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I see one answer that is close and I bet they know the correct answer but just made a typo.
Req is the equivalent Resistance.
Resistors in series are added. Req = R1+R2+R3.......
Resistors in Parallel are added by their reciprocals:
1/Req=1/R1+1/R2+1/R3..........
2007-03-25 14:13:04 · answer #7 · answered by andy31088 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in series the amps stays the same but the voltage changes.
in parrallel the amps changes but the voltage stays the same.
2007-03-25 13:46:03 · answer #8 · answered by Rich D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in series total resistance = r1+r2+r3....
in parallel total resistance = 1/r1 +1/r2 +1/r3....
2007-03-25 13:50:40 · answer #9 · answered by folderdan 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋