DC Circuits

Parallel Circuits

Resistors being in parallel means their ends are connected by a conductor, making their ends at a common potential. That means exactly the same potential difference is across each of the resistors that are connected in parallel.

Redrawing a circuit is often a useful step in understanding it.

Consider this string of Christmas lights that are connected in parallel. What happens if one of the bulbs burns out or is removed?

Series

Combinations

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(c) Doug Davis, 2002; all rights reserved