Resistors in Series and Parallel

In this theory, the difference between series connection and parallel connection of resistor is given.

Comparison Between Series & Parallel Connection of Resistors

Series connection of Resistors	Parallel connection of resistors
The resistors are connected between two point is such that the current flowing through each resistor is same.	The resistors are connected between two point is such that the voltage drop across each resistor remains same.
Current flows through single path.	Current flows through more than single path
Total voltage drop across resistors is equal to sum of voltage drop of each resistor. V = V1 + V2 + ….. + Vn	Total current through circuit is equal to sum of all current flows through each resistor. I = i1 + i2 + ……. + in
The equivalent resistance of series circuit is equal to sum of all individual resistors. R = R1 + R2 + ….. + Rn	The reciprocal of the equivalent resistance of parallel circuit is equal to the sum of the reciprocal of the resistances of the individual resistors. 1 / R = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2 + ….. + 1 / Rn
Equivalent resistance of series circuit is equal to greater than the largest of all individual resistances.	Equivalent resistance of parallel circuit is equal to the smaller than the smallest of all individual resistances.
As the resistors are connected in series, total current in the series circuit decreases.	As the resistors are connected in parallel, total current in the parallel circuit increases.

 

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