1/R = 1/R1+ 1/R2 - Parallel Resistors

In summary, the formula for calculating the total resistance of parallel resistors is 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2, where R1 and R2 are the individual resistances of the two resistors. For more than two parallel resistors, the formula is 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... + 1/Rn, where R1, R2, R3, ... Rn are the individual resistances of each resistor. The total resistance of parallel resistors can be lower than the individual resistances due to the inverse relationship between total resistance and the sum of individual resistances. The equivalent resistance of parallel resistors is calculated by taking the reciprocal
  • #1
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http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/1774/67916352.png [/URL]
1/R = 1/R1+ 1/R2 - Parallel Resistors
3. I thought it was 1048 but that was just because I thought 542*2 I really had no idea how to work this
 
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Resistors in Rectabgle 3 are in parallel with that in rectangle 2 and the parallel combination are in series with rectangle 1:

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/1774/67916352.png


RAB = [(R + RL) // R] + R = RL = 542

SO,

[(R + 542) * R / (R + R +542)] + R = 542
 
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  • #3
out I can explain the concept of parallel resistors and how to calculate the equivalent resistance using the given formula. In a circuit, parallel resistors are connected side by side, allowing multiple paths for current to flow. This results in a decrease in the overall resistance of the circuit compared to a single resistor.

The formula 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 represents the equivalent resistance of two parallel resistors, where R1 and R2 are the individual resistances. This formula is derived from Ohm's law, which states that the current through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance.

To calculate the equivalent resistance, we can use the reciprocal of the individual resistances (1/R1 and 1/R2) and add them together. In the given image, the values of R1 and R2 are 542 ohms each. Therefore, the equivalent resistance is 1/R = 1/542 + 1/542 = 2/542. To simplify, we can take the reciprocal of 2/542, which is 542/2 = 271 ohms.

In conclusion, the equivalent resistance of two parallel resistors is 271 ohms, which is half the value of each individual resistor. This concept can be extended to more than two parallel resistors, where the reciprocal of the equivalent resistance is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of all the individual resistances. I hope this explanation helps in understanding the concept of parallel resistors and how to calculate their equivalent resistance.
 

Related to 1/R = 1/R1+ 1/R2 - Parallel Resistors

1. What is the formula for calculating the total resistance of two parallel resistors?

The formula for calculating the total resistance of two parallel resistors is 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2, where R1 and R2 are the individual resistances of the two resistors.

2. How do you determine the total resistance when there are more than two parallel resistors?

The formula for calculating the total resistance of more than two parallel resistors is 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... + 1/Rn, where R1, R2, R3, ... Rn are the individual resistances of each resistor.

3. Can the total resistance of parallel resistors ever be lower than the individual resistances?

Yes, the total resistance of parallel resistors can be lower than the individual resistances. This is because the total resistance is inversely proportional to the sum of the individual resistances.

4. How do you calculate the equivalent resistance of parallel resistors?

The equivalent resistance of parallel resistors is calculated by taking the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances. It is represented by the formula 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... + 1/Rn.

5. Why do parallel resistors have a lower total resistance than series resistors?

This is because in parallel circuits, the individual resistors provide multiple paths for current to flow, resulting in a lower overall resistance. In series circuits, the current has to flow through each resistor one after the other, resulting in a higher overall resistance.

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