Resistors in Series & Parallel (Edexcel GCSE Physics)

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Resistors in Series & Parallel

Resistors in Series

  • When two or more resistors are connected in series, the total (or combined) resistance is equal to the sum of their individual resistances
  • For example, for three resistors of resistance R1, R2 and R3, the total resistance can be calculated using:

Resistors in series equation, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

  • Where R is the total resistance, in Ohms (Ω)
  • Increasing the number of resistors increases the overall resistance, as the charge now has more resistors to pass through
  • The total voltage is also the sum of the voltages across each of the individual resistors
    • In a series circuit, the voltage of the power supply is shared between all components

combined-resistance, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Three resistors connected in series. The total voltage is the sum of the individual voltages, and the total resistance is the sum of the three individual resistances

Resistors in Parallel

  • When two or more resistors are connected in parallel, the total (or net / combined) resistance decreases
  • In the below circuit, the combined resistance of the resistors R1 and R2 is less than if they were connected in series

resistors-parallel, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Two resistors connected in parallel. The total resistance is less than if they were connected in series

  • This happens because each resistor creates an extra path along which the charge can flow
    • This allows more charge to flow overall
    • This leads to a smaller overall resistance

  • The advantages of this kind of circuit are:
    • The components can be individually controlled, using their own switches
    • If one component stops working the others will continue to function

Worked example

Calculations involving Series Circuits

The combined resistance R in the following series circuit is 60 Ω.What is the resistance value of R2?

A.     100 Ω               B.     30 Ω               C.     20 Ω               D.     40 Ω

ANSWER:  C

Step 1: Write down the equation for the combined resistance in series

R = R1 + R2 + R3

Step 2: Substitute the values for total resistance R and the other resistors

60 Ω = 30 Ω + R2 + 10 Ω

Step 3: Rearrange for R2

R2 = 60 Ω – 30 Ω – 10 Ω = 20 Ω

Worked example

Dennis sets up a series circuit as shown below.WE Series Circuit Question image, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notesThe cell supplies a current of 2 A to the circuit, and the fixed resistor has a resistance of 4 Ω.

(a) How much current flows through the fixed resistor?

(b) What is the reading on the voltmeter?

Part (a)

Step 1: Recall that current is conserved in a series circuit

    • Since current is conserved in a series circuit, it is the same size if measured anywhere in the series loop
    • This means that since the cell supplies 2 A to the circuit, current is 2 A everywhere
    • Therefore, 2 A flows through the fixed resistor

Part (b)

Step 1: List the known quantities

    • Current I = 2 A
    • Resistance R = 4 Ω

Step 2: State the equation linking potential difference, resistance and current

    • The equation linking potential difference, resistance and current is:

V = IR

Step 3: Substitute the known values into the equation and calculate the potential difference

V = 2 × 4 = 8 V

    • Therefore, the voltmeter reads 8 V across the fixed resistor

Examiner Tip

Circuit questions can be confusing. Remember to label any voltages, currents or resistances on the circuit to help with the calculations and most of all, remember how voltage, current and resistance differs between a series and parallel circuit (as you may get a question on a combination of both circuits!)

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

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Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.