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Leslie
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How do you know if a resistor is in series or parallel in a series/parallel circuit?
A series circuit is when the components are connected in a single loop, with the same current flowing through each component. A parallel circuit is when the components are connected across multiple branches, with the voltage being the same across each branch.
In a series circuit, resistors are placed one after the other, with the same current flowing through each resistor. In a parallel circuit, resistors are placed across multiple branches, with the voltage being the same across each resistor.
In a series circuit, the total resistance is calculated by adding up the individual resistances. In a parallel circuit, the total resistance is calculated by using the formula 1/Rt = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... + 1/Rn, where Rt is the total resistance and R1, R2, R3, etc. are the individual resistances.
The placement of resistors in a series/parallel circuit affects the total resistance, current, and voltage in the circuit. In a series circuit, adding more resistors increases the total resistance and decreases the current. In a parallel circuit, adding more resistors decreases the total resistance and increases the current.
Yes, it is common to have a combination of series and parallel resistor placement in a circuit. This allows for more complex circuits and can be used to control the flow of current and voltage in different parts of the circuit.