ANCE OF A SYSTEM OF RESISTORS In preceding sections, we learnt about some simple electric circuits. We have noticed how the current through a conductor depends upon its resistance and the potential difference across its ends. In various electrical gadgets, we often use resistors in various combinations. We now therefore intend to see how Ohm’s law can be applied to combinations of resistors.
There are two methods of joining the resistors together. Figure . shows an electric circuit in which three resistors having resistances R , R and R , respectively, are joined end to end. Here the resistors are said to be connected in series.
Figure . Figure . Figure . Figure .
Figure . Resistors in series Figure . Figure . Figure .
Figure . Figure . Resistors in parallel You will observe that the value of the current in the ammeter is the same, independent of its position in the electric circuit. It means that in a series combination of resistors the current is the same in every part of the circuit or the same current through each resistor.