The Parallel Circuit Total Resistance Kirchoff’s Current Law
Parallel Circuits
The Parallel Circuit Two or more resistors provide a separate current path, and are connected across the same voltage source Current : ITotal = I1 + I2 + I3 … Voltage : VS = V1 = V2 = V3 ….
Parallel Resistance When connected in parallel, total circuit resistance decreases. Total resistance will be smaller than the smallest resistor.
Parallel Resistance For three or more resistors: For two resistors: 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 . . . 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 . . . 1 RT = RT = R1 x R2 R1 + R2
Kirchoff’s Current Law The algebraic sum of all the currents entering and leaving a junction is equal to zero. ITotal + I1 + I2 + I3 … = 0 e.g., 3 -1 - 1 - 1 = 0 If you consider the direction of the inward current at a junction as positive, then the outward current at that junction will have a negative direction. ITotal I1 I2 I3
Kirchoff’s Current Law The total circuit current (IT) entering a junction is equal to the sum of the currents leaving that junction. ITotal = I1 + I2 + I3 … e.g., 3 = 1 + 1 + 1 ITotal I1 I2 I3