Resistors in
parallel are connected across one another.
They all have the same voltage across them. To find the equivalent resistance (the total resistance offered to the flow of current) we invert the values and add them. Then we invert the result. For example take 2 ohms and 4 ohms in parallel. Inverted 1/2 +1/4 = 3/4 Invert this 4/3 = 1.33 ohms A quick check on your answer is that it should be smaller in value than the value of the smallest resistor. If these resistors were connected across a 10 volt supply Ohms Law says about 7.5 amps would flow. The formula can be written as 1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 etc etc. If only two resistors
are involved then use (R1 x R2) divided by (R1 + R2)
If you have several
resistors of the same value in parallel then the equivalent resistance
is the resistor value divided by the number of resistors.
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