Electrical Current

The electrical current in the basic term is the flow of electric charge. The common
electric charge carriers are electrons, but they can also be ions as in the case of
chemical batteries. To understand how electrical current works let us look at the flow
of water as an analogy.

Consider a tall container fitted with a tap at the bottom. When you fill the container
with water and turn on the tap, look at the flow of water. The amount of water flowing
through the tap depends on many factors. These factors are as follows:

1. It depends on how much the tap is opened. A fully open tap allows more water flow as it
offers less resistance, whereas a half-open tap lets less water flow as it has resistance to the
flow of water, as the opening is small.
2. It also depends on the volume of water present in the container as this applies pressure. So if
the volume is more, the pressure amount will increase simultaneously. Hence the flow of
water will increase. Consequently, as the volume of water reduces, even the flow of water
will reduce.

Table of Contents

 What Consist of Electrical Current?

 Types of Electrical Current

 Direct current (DC)

 Alternating current(AC)

 Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What Consist of Electrical Current?

The SI unit of electric current is Ampere (A), 1 ampere is the amount of current when
there is a flow of 1 coulomb of charge passing through a cross-section in 1 second.
Metals consisting of electric wires and other electronic equipment like copper, gold,
and aluminium have many free electrons, which are responsible for the majority of the
current flow. But in some semiconductors, depending on the type of dopant used,
there can be positive charge carriers that flow in the opposite direction of that of
electrons. In other cases, there can be both positive ions and negative electrons
present at the same time as in a chemical battery. Therefore there will be confusion in
the direction of flow of current. Hence a convention for the flow of current was
introduced, which states that the direction of flow of current is in the positive
direction, i.e. opposite to that of the flow of electrons.

Types of Electrical Current

There are two basic types of electrical currents depending on how they flow.

Direct current (DC)

In this type, the current flows in only one direction, the advantage of this type of
current is that it is very easy to store because almost all types of batteries use direct
current, most electronics use direct current, computers, telephones, and satellites all
work on DC.

Alternating current(AC)
In this type, the current changes its direction, and the graph of AC looks like a sine
wave, which means the current flows to and fro, our household current changes
directions 50 times a second; hence you can see 50Hz written on most of our
electrical equipment.

Types of Circuits
An electrical circuit consists of an organization of elements for the storage,
transmission and conversion of energy. Energy enters a circuit through one or more
sources and leaves through one or more sinks. In the sources energy is transformed
from the thermal, chemical, electromagnetic or mechanical form into electrical form;
in the sinks a reverse procedure takes place. In an electrical circuit, energy is
transported through the agency of electrical charge and through the medium of
magnetic and electric fields. There are different types of circuits, parallel and series
circuits.

Series Circuits
A series circuit is one in which numerous resistances are linked one after the other.
Such connection is also termed as an end to end connection or a cascade connection.
There is a single path for the flow of current.

Properties of Series circuit:

 The same current travels through every resistance.

 The supply voltage V is the total of the individual voltage dips across the resistances.
V = V1 + V2 + V3 + …..+ Vn

 The equivalent electrical resistance is equivalent to the total of the individual resistances.

 The equivalent resistance is the biggest of all the individual resistances.
R > R1, R > R2,….., R > Rn

Parallel Circuits
The parallel circuit is one in which numerous resistances are linked across one
another in such a manner that one terminal of every resistance is connected to form a
junction point while the remaining end is also linked to form another point.

Properties of Parallel Circuits:

  A similar potential difference gets across all the resistances in parallel.
 The total current gets distributed into the number of paths equivalent to the number of
resistances in parallel. The aggregate current is always the summation of all the individual
currents.
I = I1 + I2 + I3 + ……+ In

 The reciprocal of the equivalent resistance of a parallel circuit is equivalent to the sum of the
reciprocal of the individual resistances.
 The equivalent resistance is the minutest of all the resistances.
R < R1, R < R2, ….., R < Rn

 The equivalent conductance is the mathematical addition of the single conductances.

The equivalent resistance is lesser than the smallest of all the resistances linked
in parallel.

Dissimilarities
The variances between series and parallel circuits are demonstrated in the table
underneath.

Circuit In Series Circuit In Parallel

There is a single current pathway There are multiple current pathways

All components have similar current All components have similar potential difference
running through them across them

The sum of the potential dips across The sum of the currents flowing into any point in
each component is equivalent to the the circuit is equivalent to the sum of the
emf of the source. currents flowing out of that point.

Resistors in Series and Parallel Combinations

A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical
resistance as a circuit element. Resistors reduce the current flow and lower voltage
levels within circuits. Most circuits often have more than one resistor to limit the flow
of charges in a circuit. The two simplest combinations of resistors are – series and
parallel. In this article, we will be discussing resistors in series and parallel
combinations.

Table of Contents:

 Circuit Components
 Need of a Combination Circuit
 Resistors in Series
 Resistors in Parallel
 Summary
  Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Circuit Components

A circuit is composed of conductors (wire), power source, load, resistor, and switch.
A circuit starts and ends at the same point. Usually, copper wire without insulation is
used as a conductor. A switch is used to make or break a circuit. Resistors control the
flow of the electric current in a circuit. A resistor is a passive element which means
that it only consumes power but does not generate power. A load in a circuit
consumes electrical energy and converts it into other forms of energy like light, heat,
etc. A load can be a light bulb, fan, etc. Now let us know about resistors in series and
parallel combinations.
Read more: Types of Switches

Need of a Combination Circuit

In an electric circuit, the different components are connected either in series or in
parallel to produce different resistive networks. In the same circuit, resistors can
sometimes be connected in parallel and series across different loops to produce a
more complex resistive network. These circuits are known as mixed resistor circuits.
In the end, however, the total resistance should be known. It is important to know how
to do this because resistors never exist in isolation. They are always part of a larger
circuit that will have many resistors connected in different combinations. So how do
we calculate this total resistance for resistors in series and parallel circuits? In the next
section, let us have a look at how to find the total resistance for resistors in series and
parallel combinations.

See the video below and learn about power dissipated across the
resistor
25,168

Resistors in Series
Two or more resistors are said to be connected in series when the same amount of
current flows through all the resistors. In such circuits, the voltage across each resistor
is different. In a series connection, if any resistor is broken or a fault occurs, then the
entire circuit is turned off. The construction of a series circuit is simpler compared to
a parallel circuit.

Electric Current: The Flow of Charge

Our ancestors relied on fire for light, warmth and cooking. Today at the flick of a
switch, turn of a knob or the push of a button, we have instant power. This is possible
because of the electric current. Do you know what is current? In this article, let us
learn and find how electric current has revolutionised modern-day living. It is one of
the important discoveries that helped us transform our way of living. From the time
we wake up till the time we sleep at night, our life is dependent on electricity. From
the basic bread toaster and baking oven to the commonly used television all require
electric current to operate. The most common device, mobile phones, uses the electric
current to charge the battery for operation. Besides playing a major part at home,
electricity also plays an important role in industries, transportation and
communication. In this article, let us learn to define electric current as an important
resource that we are highly dependent on.

Table of Contents:

 Electric Current Definition

 Prerequisites for the Current to Flow in a Conductor
 What Is an Electromotive Force?
 Unit of Electric Current
 Visualising Electric Current
 Conventional Current flow Vs Electron Flow
 Properties of Electric Current
 Effects of Electric Current
 Heating Effect of Electric Current
 Magnetic Effect of Electric Current
 Chemical Effect of Electric Current
 Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Electric Current Definition

Let us now define electric current and also know about conductors and insulators.

Electric Current is the rate of flow of electrons in a conductor. The SI Unit of electric
current is the Ampere.
Electrons are minute particles that exist within the molecular structure of a substance.
Sometimes, these electrons are tightly held, and other times they are loosely held.
When electrons are loosely held by the nucleus, they are able to travel freely within
the limits of the body. Electrons are negatively charged particles hence when they
move, a number of charges moves, and we call this movement of electrons as electric
current. It should be noted that the number of electrons that are able to move governs
the ability of a particular substance to conduct electricity. Some materials allow the
current to move better than others. Based on the ability of the material to conduct
electricity, materials are classified into conductors and insulators.
Conductors: these materials allow the free flow of electrons from one particle to
another. Conductors allow for charge transfer through the free movement of electrons.
The flow of electrons inside the conducting material or conductor generates an
electric current. The force that is required to drive the current flow through the
conductor is known as voltage.
Examples of conductors: Human body, aqueous solutions of salts and metals like
iron, silver and gold.
Did You Know?
Silver is the best conductor of electricity.
Insulators: Insulators are materials that restrict the free flow of electrons from one
particle to another. The particles of the insulator do not allow the free flow of
electrons; subsequently, the charge is seldom distributed evenly across the surface of
an insulator.
Examples of Insulators: Plastic, Wood and Glass

Prerequisites for the Current to Flow in a Conductor

Some of the prerequisites for the electric current to flow in a conductor are discussed
here. The circuit includes an energy source (a battery, for instance) that produces
voltage. Without voltage, electrons move randomly and are undirected; hence current
cannot flow. Voltage creates pressure on the electrons, which channelises them to
flow in a single direction.
The circuit forms a closed conducting loop through which electrons can flow. A
circuit is said to be closed or complete when a switch is turned ON.

What Is an Electromotive Force?

The motion of free electrons is normally haphazard. If a force acts on electrons to
make them move in a particular direction, then up to some extent random motion of
the electrons will be eliminated. An overall movement in one direction is achieved.
The force that acts on the electrons to make them move in a certain direction is known
as electromotive force, and its quantity is known as voltage and is measured in volts.
Read More: Electromotive Force

Unit of Electric Current

Let us know what is current and the unit to measure it.
The magnitude of electric current is measured in coulombs per second. The SI unit of
electric current is Ampere and is denoted by the letter A. Ampere is defined as one
coulomb of charge moving past a point in one second. If there are 6.241 x
1018 electrons flowing through our frame in one second, then the electrical current
flowing through it is ‘One Ampere.’
The unit Ampere is widely used within electrical and electronic technology along with
the multipliers like milliamp (0.001A), microamp (0.000001A), and so forth.
Read More: Ampere

Visualising Electric Current

To gain a deeper understanding of what an electric current is and how it behaves in a
conductor, we can use the water pipe analogy of electricity. Certainly, there are some
limitations but they serve as a very basic illustration of current and current flow.

Water Pipe Analogy of Electricity

We can compare the electric current to the water flowing through the pipe. When
pressure is applied to one end of the pipe, the water is forced to flow through the pipe
in one direction. The amount of water flow is proportional to the pressure placed on
the end. This pressure can be compared to the electromotive force.

Conventional Current flow Vs Electron Flow

There is a lot of confusion around conventional current flow and electron flow. In this
section, let us understand their differences.
 Conventional Current Flow vs Electron Flow

Conventional Current Flow 

The conventional current flow is from the positive to the negative terminal and
indicates the direction in which positive charges would flow.
Electron Flow
The electron flow is from negative to positive terminal. Electrons are negatively
charged and are therefore attracted to the positive terminal as unlike charges attract.

Properties of Electric Current

After we define electric current, let us learn the properties of electric current. Electric
current is an important quantity in electronic circuits. We have adapted electricity in
our lives so much that it becomes impossible to imagine life without it. Therefore, it is
important to know what is current and the properties of the electric current.

 We know that electric current is the result of the flow of electrons. The work done in moving
the electron stream is known as electrical energy. Electrical energy can be converted into
other forms of energy such as heat energy, light energy, etc. For example, in an iron box,
electric energy is converted to heat energy. Likewise, the electric energy in a bulb is
converted into light energy.
 There are two types of electric current known as alternating current (AC) and direct current
(DC). The direct current can flow only in one direction, whereas the alternating direction
flows in two directions. Direct current is seldom used as a primary energy source in
industries. It is mostly used in low voltage applications such as charging batteries, aircraft
applications, etc. Alternating current is used to operate appliances for both household and
industrial and commercial use.
 The electric current is measured in ampere. One ampere of current represents one coulomb
of electric charge moving past a specific point in one second.

1 ampere = 1 coulomb / 1 second

  The conventional direction of an electric current is the direction in which a positive charge
would move. Henceforth, the current flowing in the external circuit is directed away from the
positive terminal and toward the negative terminal of the battery.

You shouldn’t touch electrical equipment with wet hands! Watch

the video to know why?

3,34,300

Effects of Electric Current

After defining electric current, let us learn various effects of electric current. When a
current flows through a conductor, there are a number of signs which tell if a current
is flowing or not. Following are the most prominent signs:

Heating Effect of Electric Current

When our clothes are crumpled, we use the iron box to make our clothes crisp and
neat. Iron box works on the principle of heating effect of current. There are many
such devices that work on the heating effect.
When an electric current flows through a conductor, heat is
generated in the conductor.
The heating effect is given by the following equation
H=I2RT
The heating effect depends on the following factor:

 The time ‘t‘ for which the current flows. The longer the current flows in a conductor more
heat is generated.
 The electrical resistance of the conductor. Higher the resistance, the higher the heat
produced.
 The amount of current. The larger the amount of current higher the heat produced.
If the current is small then the amount of heat generated is likely to be very small and
may not be noticed. However, if the current is larger then it is possible that a
noticeable amount of heat is generated.
Read More: Heating Effect of Electric Current

Magnetic Effect of Electric Current

Another prominent effect that is noticeable when an electric current flows through the
conductor is the build-up of the magnetic field. We can observe this when we place a
compass close to a wire carrying a reasonably large direct current, and the compass
needle deflects. The magnetic field generated by a current is put to good use in a
number of areas. By winding a wire into a coil, the effect can be increased, and an
electromagnet can be made.
Read More: Magnetic Effect of Electric Current

Chemical Effect of Electric Current

When an electric current passes through a solution, the solution ionizes and breaks
down into ions. This is because a chemical reaction takes place when an electric
current passes through the solution. Depending on the nature of the solution and the
electrodes used, the following effects can be observed in the solution:

 change in the colour of the solution

 metallic deposits on the electrodes
 a release of gas or production of bubbles in the solution
Electroplating and electrolysis are the applications of the chemical effect of electric
current.
Ampere
This article discusses Ampere – the unit of electric current, in detail. Ampere is the
unit that we use to quantify the current flowing in a system. An ampere is equivalent
to a charge of one Coulomb per second.

Table of Contents

 What is Ampere?
 Table of Ampere Unit Prefixes
 Ampere Conversion
 Conversion of Watt, Volt and Ohm into Ampere

 Calculation of Amps with Watts and Volts

 Calculation of Amps with Volts and Ohms

 Ampere Meter/Ammeter

 Types of Ammeter

 Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is Ampere?

 Ampere is named after the French Physicist and Mathematician Andre-Marie Ampere. 
 One ampere of current represents one coulomb of electrical charge, i.e. 6.24×10 18 charge
carriers, moving in one second. 
 In other words, “an ampere is the amount of current produced by the force of one volt acting
through a resistance of one ohm”.

 Ampere is defined as the unit of electric current that is equal to the flow of one Coulomb per
second.
  The relationship between ampere and coulomb is represented as follows:

 Ampere = 1 Coulomb / Second

 At any given point in an area experiencing current, the Ampere value will
increase proportionately if the charge on particles moving through it
increases.

Table of Ampere Unit Prefixes

 A huge range of electric current values is encountered in electrical and electronic

engineering. 
 An electric current value can be lower than 0.01 A or higher than 1000 A. 
 By using multiples and submultiples of the standard unit we can avoid writing too many
zeroes to define the position of the decimal point. 
 The table below lists some of the commonly used ampere unit prefixes.

Name Symbol Conversion Example

microampere(microamps) μA 1 μA = 10-6A I = 40 μA = 40 × 10-6A

milliampere(milliamps) mA 1 mA = 10-3A I = 2 mA = 2 × 10-3 A

ampere (amps) A – I = 20 A

kiloampere(kiloamps) kA 1 kA = 103A I = 4 kA = 4 × 103 A

Ampere Conversion
Unit conversion is crucial in solving problems. Below we have listed examples of
ampere conversions from one scale to another.
Conversion of amps (A) to kiloamps(kA)
One kiloamp (kA) equals a thousand amps (A).
1 kA = 1000 A or 1 × 103  A
For example, 5 amperes of current can be converted to kiloamperes as follows:
5 A × 1000 = 5000 A or 5 kA
Conversion amps (A) to milliamps (mA)
One milliampere is equal to 1000 amperes.
1 mA = 1000 A
For example, 2 A to milliampere is converted as follows:
2 A/1000 = 0.002 A or 2 × 10-3 A = 2 mA
Conversion of amps (A) to microamps (μA)
One Ampere is equal to 1000000 or 10-6 microamperes.
1 μA = 1000000 A
For example, 5 A is converted to microamps as follows:
5 A / 1000000  = 0.000005 A or 5 × 10-6  A = 5 μA
Conversion of Watt, Volt and Ohm into Ampere
The electric current value can be calculated by knowing the voltage, power and
resistance values.
Calculation of Amps with Watts and Volts

 The power of the circuit is given by the following formula:

 P (Watt) = V (Volt) × I (Ampere)
 Rearranging the above equation, we can calculate the value of electric current as follows:

 I (Ampere) = P (Watt) / V (Volt)

Solved Example:
What is the current flow in a circuit that consumes 50 W of power and has a
supply voltage of 10 V?
Using the equation, we can calculate the current as follows:
I (A) = 50 W/10 V = 5 A
Calculation of Amps with Volts and Ohms
<

 The resistance of a circuit is calculated using the following formula:

 V (Volt) = I (Ampere) × R (Ohm)

 Rearranging the above formula, we can calculate the value of electric current as follows:

 I (Ampere) = V (Volt) / R (Ohm)

Solved Example:
What is the current in a circuit having a voltage of 25 V with a resistance of 5 Ω?
Using the above equation, we can calculate the value of the current as follows:
I = 25 V/5 Ω = 5 A

Similar Articles

 Amperes Law
 Relation Between Watt And Volt
 Relation Between Ev And Joule
 Relation Between Electric Field And Electric Potential

Ampere Meter/Ammeter
Ampere meter, commonly known as Ammeter is an electrical instrument used to
measure electrical current in Amperes. The electrical current on the load is measured
with the help of an Ampere meter by connecting it in series to the load. It has zero
resistance, and so the measured circuit remains unaffected.
What happens when an ammeter is connected in parallel to load?

 The ammeter cannot be connected in parallel to the load because of its low resistance. 
 If it is connected in parallel, it becomes a short circuit path allowing all the current to flow
through it which may lead to the burning of the metre due to the high current value. 
 An ideal ammeter has zero impedance, so the instrument’s power loss is zero. 
 But this ideal condition is not achievable practically.

Types of Ammeter
The classification of the ammeter is based on the construction design and the type of
current that flows through the ammeter.
Based on the design of construction it is classified as follows:

 Moving iron ammeter

 Rectifier type ammeter
 Permanent moving coil ammeter
 Electro-dynamometer ammeter
Based on the type of current that flows through it, it is classified as follows:

 DC ammeter
 AC ammeter
The DC ammeters are mostly permanent moving coil type ammeter. The other types
of ammeter can measure both AC and DC current.
Relation Between Watt And Volt
Named after James Watt, Watt is the unit of power. In terms of electromagnetism, it is
the current flow of one ampere with a voltage of 1 volt. A volt is a derived unit for
electric potential, electromotive force, and electric potential difference. The relation
between watt and volt is direct. This implies that a change in the value of watt will
reflect as a change in the value of volt.

Watt And Volt

In physics, the relation between watt and volt can be written as:
1 watt = 1 ampere × 1 volt

1����=1����1������
Where,

 Watt is the measure of power.

 Volt is the measure of electric potential.
 Ampere is the measure of current.
 

Volt is the measure of potential difference within two terminal of a conducting wire.
Watt is the rate at which electrical work is performed when a current of one ampere flows across the potential
difference of one volt.

The relation between watt and volt is proportionate. That is watt is directly
proportional to volt. Which implies that-

 When the electric power in terms of watt increases, the electric potential in terms of volt
also increases, keeping the electric current constant.
 When the electric power in terms of watt decreases, the electric potential in terms of volt
also decreases keeping the electric current constant.

AC and DC
The formula for watt and volt changes for alternating current and direct current is
given below:

Current Type Formula Terms

PW is Power in watt

PF is Power Factor
AC PW= PF × VV × IA
VV is voltage in volts

IA is current in ampere

DC PW= VV × IA PW is Power in watt

VV is voltage in volts

 IA is current in ampere

Hope you have understood the relation between watt and volt, the units of electricity.
Also, watt and volt conversion in physics, electronics especially in electromagnetism.
Similar Articles:

Relation Between Electric Field And Electric Potential

Relation Between KVA and KW

Relation Between eV And Joule

Relation Between Line Voltage And Phase Voltage

Difference between AC AND DC CURRENT

DiDifference between AC and Difference between AC and DC

Electric current flows in two ways as an alternating current (AC) or direct current
(DC). The main difference between AC and DC lies in the direction in which the
electrons flow. In DC, the electrons flow steadily in a single direction, while electrons
keep switching directions, going forward and then backwards in AC. Let us learn
more differences between them in the next few sections.

Table of Contents:

 What is an Alternating Current (AC)?

 What is Direct Current (DC)?
 Difference Between AC and DC
 Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is an Alternating Current (AC)?

In alternating current, the electric charge flow changes its direction periodically. AC
is the most commonly used and most-preferred electric power for household
equipment, office, buildings, etc. It was first tested based on the principles of Michael
Faraday in 1832 using a Dynamo Electric Generator.
Alternating current can be identified in a waveform called a sine wave. In other
words, it can be referred to as a curved line. These curved lines represent electric
cycles and are measured per second. The measurement is read as Hertz (Hz). AC is
used in powerhouses and buildings because generating and transporting AC across
long distances is relatively easy. AC is capable of powering electric motors which are
used in refrigerators, washing machines, etc.

What is Direct Current (DC)?

Unlike alternating current, the flow of direct current does not change periodically.
The current electricity flows in a single direction in a steady voltage. The major use of
DC is to supply power to electrical devices and also to charge batteries. Example:
mobile phone batteries, flashlights, flat-screen television and electric vehicles. DC has
the combination of a plus and a minus sign, a dotted line or a straight line.
Everything that runs on a battery and uses an AC adapter while plugging into a wall
or uses a USB cable for power relies on DC. Examples would be cellphones, electric
vehicles, flashlights, flat-screen TVs (AC goes into the TV and is converted into DC).

Difference between AC and DC

A video comparing Alternating Current and Direct Current

1,88,602
The major differences between Alternating Current and Direct Current are given in
the table below:

Alternating Current Direct Current

AC is easy to be transferred over longer distances DC cannot be transferred over a very
– even between two cities – without much energy long distance. It loses electric
loss. power.

The rotating magnets cause the change in direction The steady magnetism makes DC flow in
of electric flow. a single direction.

The frequency of AC is dependent upon the country. DC has no frequency or zero

But, generally, the frequency is 50 Hz or 60 Hz. frequency.

In AC the flow of current changes its direction It flows in a single direction

forward and backward periodically. steadily.

Electrons in AC keep changing their directions – Electrons only move in one direction
backward and forward. –  forward.
For the above circuit, the total resistance is given as:
Rtotal = R1 + R2 + ….. + Rn
The total resistance of the system is just the total sum of
individual resistances.
For example, consider the following sample problem.
A resistor with an electrical resistance value of 100 ohms is connected to another with
a resistance value of 200 ohms. The two resistances are connected in series. What is
the total resistance across the system?
Here, R1 = 100 Ω and R2= 200 Ω
Rtotal = 100 + 200 = 300 Ω

Watch the video and learn about series combination of resistances

629

Resistors in Parallel
Two or more resistors are said to be connected in parallel when the voltage is the
same across all the resistors. In such circuits, the current is branched out and
recombined when branches meet at a common point. A resistor or any other
component can be connected or disconnected easily without affecting other elements
in a parallel circuit.

1������=1�1 + 1�2 + …. + 1��
The sum of reciprocals of resistance of an individual resistor is the total reciprocal
resistance of the system.
For the problem given above, what if the resistors were connected in parallel instead
of in series? What is the total resistance in that case?
1������=1100 + 1200
 
(200 + 100)20000
 
=30020000
 
Therefore,
 
������=20000300=66.67 �

See the video below to learn about Kirchoff’s law and the
combination of resistors in a detailed way
1,463

Summary

 A circuit comprises conductors (wire), power source, load, resistor and switch.
 Resistors control the flow of the electric current in a circuit.
 Two or more resistors are said to be connected in series when the same amount of current
flows through all the resistors.
 The following relation gives the total resistance of a series circuit:

Rtotal = R1 + R2 + ….. + Rn

 Two or more resistors are said to be connected in parallel when the voltage is the same
across all the resistors.
 The following relation gives the total resistance of a parallel circuit.

1������=1�1 + 1�2 + …. + 1��


  Sometimes, resistors in the same circuit can be connected in parallel and series across
different loops to produce a more complex resistive network. These circuits are known as
mixed resistor circuits.
Resistors in Series and Parallel Combinations
A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical
resistance as a circuit element. Resistors reduce the current flow and lower voltage
levels within circuits. Most circuits often have more than one resistor to limit the flow
of charges in a circuit. The two simplest combinations of resistors are – series and
parallel. In this article, we will be discussing resistors in series and parallel
combinations.

Table of Contents:

 Circuit Components
 Need of a Combination Circuit
 Resistors in Series
 Resistors in Parallel
 Summary
 Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Circuit Components

A circuit is composed of conductors (wire), power source, load, resistor, and switch.
A circuit starts and ends at the same point. Usually, copper wire without insulation is
used as a conductor. A switch is used to make or break a circuit. Resistors control the
flow of the electric current in a circuit. A resistor is a passive element which means
that it only consumes power but does not generate power. A load in a circuit
consumes electrical energy and converts it into other forms of energy like light, heat,
etc. A load can be a light bulb, fan, etc. Now let us know about resistors in series and
parallel combinations.
Read more: Types of Switches

Need of a Combination Circuit

In an electric circuit, the different components are connected either in series or in
parallel to produce different resistive networks. In the same circuit, resistors can
sometimes be connected in parallel and series across different loops to produce a
more complex resistive network. These circuits are known as mixed resistor circuits.
In the end, however, the total resistance should be known. It is important to know how
to do this because resistors never exist in isolation. They are always part of a larger
circuit that will have many resistors connected in different combinations. So how do
we calculate this total resistance for resistors in series and parallel circuits? In the next
section, let us have a look at how to find the total resistance for resistors in series and
parallel combinations.

See the video below and learn about power dissipated across the
resistor

25,168

Resistors in Series
Two or more resistors are said to be connected in series when the same amount of
current flows through all the resistors. In such circuits, the voltage across each resistor
is different. In a series connection, if any resistor is broken or a fault occurs, then the
entire circuit is turned off. The construction of a series circuit is simpler compared to
a parallel circuit.

For the above circuit, the total resistance is given as:

Rtotal = R1 + R2 + ….. + Rn
The total resistance of the system is just the total sum of
individual resistances.
For example, consider the following sample problem.
A resistor with an electrical resistance value of 100 ohms is connected to another with
a resistance value of 200 ohms. The two resistances are connected in series. What is
the total resistance across the system?
Here, R1 = 100 Ω and R2= 200 Ω
Rtotal = 100 + 200 = 300 Ω

Watch the video and learn about series combination of resistances

629
Resistors in Parallel
Two or more resistors are said to be connected in parallel when the voltage is the
same across all the resistors. In such circuits, the current is branched out and
recombined when branches meet at a common point. A resistor or any other
component can be connected or disconnected easily without affecting other elements
in a parallel circuit.

1������=1�1 + 1�2 + …. + 1��
The sum of reciprocals of resistance of an individual resistor is the total reciprocal
resistance of the system.
For the problem given above, what if the resistors were connected in parallel instead
of in series? What is the total resistance in that case?
1������=1100 + 1200
 
(200 + 100)20000
 
=30020000
 
Therefore,
 
������=20000300=66.67 �

See the video below to learn about Kirchoff’s law and the
combination of resistors in a detailed way
1,463

Summary

 A circuit comprises conductors (wire), power source, load, resistor and switch.
 Resistors control the flow of the electric current in a circuit.
 Two or more resistors are said to be connected in series when the same amount of current
flows through all the resistors.
 The following relation gives the total resistance of a series circuit:

Rtotal = R1 + R2 + ….. + Rn

 Two or more resistors are said to be connected in parallel when the voltage is the same
across all the resistors.
 The following relation gives the total resistance of a parallel circuit.

1������=1�1 + 1�2 + …. + 1��


 Sometimes, resistors in the same circuit can be connected in parallel and series across
different loops to produce a more complex resistive network. These circuits are known as
mixed resistor circuits.