DC Fundamentals Unit 8 – Parallel Resistive Circuits
Unit 8 – Parallel Resistive Circuits.............................................................................................
UNIT OBJECTIVE
At the completion of this unit, you will be able to determine resistance, current, and voltage in a
parallel resistive circuit by using a formula.
UNIT FUNDAMENTALS
- A parallel circuit is a circuit in which two or more components are connected across a
voltage source. - The major difference between series and parallel circuits is the path current takes.
- In a series circuit, the same current flows through all the components in the string. The
current through each component is identical. - In a parallel circuit, each parallel branch provides a separate path for current flow. The
current through each branch need not be identical to any other branch current.
A parallel circuit with two resistors is shown. The voltage source is common to (across) both
resistors.
With S1 open, R1 provides a 1 kΩ load to the voltage source. Use Ohm's law to find current
through R1 (IR1 ):
IR1 = VR1 /R1 = 10/1000 = 0.01A = 10 mA