The association of resistances

THE ASSOCIATION OF RESISTANCES

We often want to connect more than one device to the same circuit. You will study the case in which we connect several light bulbs, but the conclusions are valid for the resistances of any device we connect.

When all the devices are connected in such a way that the same intensity of current passes through all of them, we say they are in series. This is the case, for example, of the lights on a Christmas tree. Click on to study this case.

However, when the different elements are joined to common connections, we say they are in parallel. This is how almost all the devices in our homes are connected. Click on to study this case.

	The hydraulic simile
	Elements in the circuit
	Characteristic magnitudes
	Conclusions

	Ohm's law
	Power and energy in the circuit
	The generalization of the laws
	Conclusions

	The arrangement of resistances
	The arrangement of generators
	A combined circuit
	Conclusions


	Electric current