Resistors in Parallel

The parallel configuration of resistors is the one where one end of all resistors have a common junction and the other end shares another junction. For example, the circuit given below is in a parallel configuration. Below the circuit, the formula for find equivalent resistance is also provided:

Example 1: Equivalent resistance of four resistors in parallel

Statement: Four resistors with values 1 kΩ, 5 kΩ, 10 kΩ and 15 kΩ are connected in a parallel configuration. Find the equivalent resistance.

Example 2: Find the input current supplied by the source

Three resistors having the values 5 kΩ, 10 kΩ and 15 kΩ are connected in parallel. The input is a voltage source rated at 10 V. Find the input current supplied by the source.

Solution:

Step 1: Find the equivalent resistance by using the formula as prviously explained. Here R_eq = 2.72 kΩ

Step 2: Using Ohm's law find the value of input current.

Properties of Parallel Circuits

👷 Voltage always remains same in parallel components. For example, if one component has a drop of 10 V, all other components in parallel would have a drop of 10 V.

👷Current always divide in parallel. For example a 10 A input current will be divided between three resistors depending on their values.