Experiment 1

Series and Parallel Equivalent Resistances

OBJECTIVE

To calculate the single resistance which is equivalent to a group of resistors

connected in series
To calculate the single resistance which is equivalent to a group of resistors
connected in parallel.

DISCUSSION

All materials possess electrical resistance, (opposition to the flow of electric

current) to a greater or lesser degree. Materials such as silver, copper and
aluminium, which have relatively low resistance, are called conductors, while
materials such as plastics, glass, air and rubber, which have high resistance, are
called insulators. Between these two major categories are a great variety of
materials and alloys which have neither very high nor very low resistance (or
resistivity). There is no clear-cut dividing line between conductors and
insulators. Conductors gradually merge into resistors and resistors merge into
insulators. All materials, including conductors, have electrical resistance when it
offers little opposition to the passage of an electric current. The unit of electrical
resistance is the ohm.

Resistors in series

When a group of resistors is connected in series, the total resistance is equal to

the sum of the values of the resistors. This, if a resistor, having a resistance of 5
is connected in series with one having a resistance of 20 (see Figure 1-1) the
total resistance between terminals A and B is 25 .

The two resistors (R1 and R2) between terminals A and B could be replaced by a
single resistor (R3), having a resistance of 25 . This single resistor (R3), which
can replace the original two, is called the equivalent resistance. (See Figure 1-2).
Series and Parallel Equivalent Resistances

The equivalent resistance of a number of resistors in series is found from the

equation:

Requivalent R1 + R2 + R3 + . . . . . . . (1)

Resistors in parallel

When two or more resistors are connected in parallel between two terminals A
and B, the resultant resistance is always less than that of the lowest resistor.
The logic of this statement can be shown by referring to Figure 1-3.

In this circuit, a resistor of 5 (R1) is initially connected between terminals A

and B. If another resistor of 20 (R2) is connected in parallel with the 5
resistors (R1), it is clear that the opposition to current flow between A and B will
be less than before. This is so because the current has an additional path to flow
through, which was not available when the 5 resistors (R1) was alone in the
circuit. The equivalent resistance of a number of resistors in parallel is found
from the equation:

(2)

For the particular case where only two resistors are in parallel, the single
equivalent resistance can be found from the equation:

(3)

The equivalent resistance of 20 in parallel with 5 is therefore:

(4)
Series and Parallel Equivalent Resistances

Consequently, a single resistor of 4 (R3) can be used to replace the original

two. See Figure 1-4.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Refer to the Equipment Utilization chart, in Appendix A of this manual, to obtain

the list of equipment required to perform this exercise.

PROCEDURE

1. Using the equations given in DISCUSSION section, calculate the value of

the single equivalent resistance between terminals A and B for each of the
following series and parallel circuits. Show your calculations in the spaces
provided.
Series and Parallel Equivalent Resistances

Requivalent = 595

Requivalent = 892

Requivalent = 2084

Requivalent = 1188

Requivalent = 2087

Figure 1-5
Series and Parallel Equivalent Resistances

Requivalent = 282.5

Requivalent = 197.8

Requivalent = 240.4

Requivalent = 149.5

Requivalent = 171

Figure 1-6
Series and Parallel Equivalent Resistances

Requivalent = 200.6

Requivalent = 134.3

Requivalent = 93.7

Requivalent = 100.7

Requivalent = 120.4

Figure 1-7
Series and Parallel Equivalent Resistances

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. The terms open circuit, short-circuit and dead short are used often in speaking of
electricity. Can you answer the following questions about these three terms?
a. What is the value of the resistance of an open circuit?
In an open circuit, there is no current flowing so, it can be said
that the resistance approaches in Infinity but there is no such a thing
like infinity. The current is very small to measure so the resistance is
very large to measure in an ideal model. The value of resistance takes
the total resistance of the resistors connected to the circuit.
b. What is the value of the resistance of a short circuit?
Theoretically, the resistance in a short circuit is zero. Short
circuits are dangerous with high voltage power sources. It allows the
current to travel along a path with a very little or without a resistance
that impedes it.
c. What does a dead short mean?
A dead short is a short circuit that also hasnt have a resistance.
Then it is also dangerous due to the high amount of current. However,
dead short occurs when a live wire encounters a common or ground
wire and the circuit is energized.
2. When a switch is open is the resistance between its terminals high or low?
Having the switch open means it is an open circuit. Therefore, the resistance
between its terminal is high, infinity (ideal) since there is no flow of current to it.
3. What is the resistance of a closed switched (ideally)?

A closed switched is considered as a close circuit. Therefore, the resistance in a

closed switched is zero. It would be very low but limited by contact.
4. Using each of the methods shown in (a) and (b) below, calculate the value of the equivalent
resistance of a combination of 5 (R1) , and 12 (R2) and 20 (R3) connected in parallel.

a) Using the equation:

b) Applying successively the equation:

Which of the two methods do you find easier to use?

I prefer the first method to use and much more easier for me to
compute for the equivalent resistance.
5. Connect all the resistors, shown in Figure 1-8 in parallel.
6. The circuit of Figure 1-9 has 5 resistors and 3 switches. For each of the various switch conditions
(open or closed) given in Table 1-1, calculate the resistance value between terminals A and B. Draw
the equivalent circuit and show your calculations in the space provided for each condition.
Series and Parallel Equivalent Resistances
SWITCHES SWITCHES EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT CALCULATION
(OPEN) (CLOSED) OF EQUIVALENT RESISTANCE

___
S1
___
S2
___
S3

Requivalent = _______________

S1
S3
S2

Requivalent = _______________

S1
S3
S2

Requivalent = _______________

S1
S2
S3

Requivalent = _______________
Table 1-1.