Question

How do you know if a resistor is in parallel?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Series connection:

1. When the same current passes through every component in a circuit, it is said to be connected in series. The current in these circuits only travels down one path.
2. If any resistor in a series connection fails or a fault occurs, the entire circuit is shut off. A series circuit is easier to construct than a parallel circuit.
3. The equation to calculate the total resistance in a series connection is, $R_t=R_1+R_2+.....+R_n$, Where, $R_t$= Total resistance, $R_1+R_2+.....+R_n$= Sum of resistances.

Parallel connection:

1. In a parallel circuit, the branches divide the current so that only a portion of it passes through each branch. In a parallel circuit, each branch has the same voltage or potential difference, but the currents may differ.
2. A resistor or any other component in a parallel circuit can be readily attached or disconnected without impacting the other elements.
3. The equation to calculate the total resistance in a parallel connection is, $\frac{1}{R_t}=\frac{1}{R_1}+\frac{1}{R_2}+.....+\frac{1}{R_n}$, Where, $R_t$= Total resistance, $\frac{1}{R_1}+\frac{1}{R_2}+.....+\frac{1}{R_n}$= Sum of resistances.

Therefore,

1. The circuit nodes assist us in determining if the connected resistors are in series or parallel.
2. A circuit node is a point of connection between two or more branches.
3. Two or more resistors are said to be in parallel if their nodes at both ends are the same.
4. If, on the other hand, only one node is shared by the resistors, they are linked in series.

Hence, this is the way to know if a resistor is in parallel.