Series and parallel connection
Two ways to join resistors.
Three resistors, one cell
A cell and three resistors are on a table. There is more than one way to join the resistors to the cell.
In how many basic ways can three resistors be joined to each other and to the cell?
What this lesson covers
The idea
Resistors joined end to end are connected in series; resistors connected together between the same two points are connected in parallel.
Three resistors, one cell
A cell and three resistors are on a table. There is more than one way to join the resistors to the cell.
In how many basic ways can three resistors be joined to each other and to the cell?
- Two ways, in series or in parallel
- Only one way, end to end
- Four ways
Two arrangements
Open both tabs and see how the three resistors are joined.
End to end or between two points
In the first picture the current has only one path, through R₁, then R₂, then R₃. In the second picture each resistor is joined between the same two points, X and Y.
Resistors joined end to end are connected in series; resistors connected together between the same two points are connected in parallel.
Notes
Resistors joined end to end are in series; resistors connected together between the same two points are in parallel.
Check yourself
Three resistors are joined end to end, one after the other. How are they connected?
Three resistors are connected together between the same two points X and Y. How are they connected?
Which description fits a series connection?
A student joins two resistors so that both have one end at point P and the other end at point Q. Which connection is it?
- In parallel. In parallel, the resistors are connected together between the same two points.
- They are not connected. Joined end to end, they form one connected path, and that is a series connection.
- In series — correct. Yes!
- In parallel — correct. Yes!
- In series. In series, resistors are joined end to end, one after the other.
- Part in series and part in parallel. All three are joined between the same two points, so they are all in parallel.
- Each resistor is joined between the same two points. That describes a parallel connection.
- The resistors are joined end to end in one path — correct. Yes!
- Each resistor has its own cell. Neither connection needs a separate cell for each resistor.
- Series. In series the resistors are joined end to end, not both between the same two points.
- Neither of them. Resistors connected together between the same two points are connected in parallel.
- Parallel — correct. Yes!