1. What Are Series and Parallel Resistances?

Series and parallel are the two basic ways of connecting resistors in an electrical circuit. In series connection, resistors are connected end-to-end, while in parallel connection, resistors are connected across each other.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these fundamental formulas:

Where:

• \( R1 \) — Resistance of first resistor (ohms)
• \( R2 \) — Resistance of second resistor (ohms)
• \( R_{series} \) — Total resistance in series connection (ohms)
• \( R_{parallel} \) — Total resistance in parallel connection (ohms)

Explanation: In series, resistances simply add up. In parallel, the reciprocal of the total resistance equals the sum of reciprocals of individual resistances.

3. Importance of Resistance Calculation

Details: Calculating equivalent resistance is fundamental in circuit analysis, helping determine current flow, voltage drops, and power dissipation in electrical circuits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter resistance values for both resistors in ohms. The calculator will compute both series and parallel equivalent resistances. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens to total resistance in series vs parallel?
A: Series connection increases total resistance (R_series > R1, R2), while parallel connection decreases it (R_parallel < R1, R2).

Q2: Can I calculate for more than two resistors?
A: The same principles apply. For series: R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... For parallel: 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ...

Q3: What if one resistor is zero in parallel?
A: If any resistor in parallel is zero (short circuit), the total resistance becomes zero.

Q4: How does resistance affect current?
A: According to Ohm's Law (I = V/R), higher resistance means lower current for a given voltage.

Q5: What are typical resistor values?
A: Resistors come in standard values from fractions of an ohm to several megaohms, depending on application.