Resistance in Series and in Parallel, and Numerical (X CBSE Physics)

Resistance of a network of Resistors:

Resistors are joined in two ways, i.e. in series and in parallel.

Resistors in Series (Maximum Effective Resistance):

When resistors are joined from end to end, it is called in series. In this case, the total resistance of the system is equal to the sum of the resistance of all the resistors in the system.

Let total or effective resistance = R_eff

Resistance of resistors are R₁, R₂, R₃, … R_n

Therefore, R = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ + …………+ R_n

Let us take three resistances R₁, R₂ and R₃ that are connected in series in a circuit.

Ohm’s low stated

V = IR

The current (I) flowing through the resistance in series will remain same, where as the potential difference (V) across each resistor will be different.

V = IR

V₁ = IR₁ , V₂ = IR₂ , V₃ = IR₃

Total potential difference (V) = V₁ + V₂ + V₃

V = IR₁ + IR₂ + IR₃

I R = I (R₁ + R₂ + R₃)

R or R_eff = R₁ + R₂ + R₃

 

Resistors in parallel (Minimum Effective Resistance): When resistors are joined in parallel, the reciprocal of total resistance of the system is equal to the sum of reciprocal of the resistance of resistors.

Let total resistance = R

Resistance of resistors are R₁, R₂, R₃, … R_n

Let us take three resisters R1, R2 and R3 that are connected in parallel in the electric circuit.

 

Thus, we conclude that the reciprocal of total effective resistance of the several resistors connected in parallel is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistance.

Disadvantage of series connection in on electric circuit :–

1.    In series connection if any of the components fail to work, the circuit will break and then none of the component (ex. TV, bulb, and fan) will work.

2.    It is not possible to connect a bulb and a heater in series, because they need different value of current to operate properly.

Hence, to overcome this problem we generally use parallel circuit.

 

Example 1: There are three resistors joined in series in a system having resistance equal to 10 Ω, 20 Ω and 30 Ω respectively. If the potential difference of the circuit is 240 V, find the total resistance and current through the circuit.

Solution: Given, R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω, R₃ = 30 Ω and V = 240 V

Total resistance (R) =?

Current through the circuit ( I ) =?

According to Ohm’s Law Total resistance in series (R) = Sum of resistance of all resistors

Or, R = 10 Ω + 20 Ω + 30 Ω = 60 Ω

We know that electric current I = V/R

Or, I = 240 V ÷ 60 Ω = 4 A

Thus, total resistance (R)= 60 Ω

Current through the circuit = 4 A

 

Example 2: There are two electric lamps M and N which are joined in a series having resistance equal to 15 Ω and 20 Ω respectively. If the potential difference between two terminals of electric circuit is 220V, find the total resistance and electric current through the circuit. Also find the potential difference across the two lamps separately.

Solution: Given, resistance (R₁) of one electric lamp, M = 15.2 Ω

Resistance (R₂) of other electric lamp, N = 20 Ω

Potential difference (V) through the circuit = 220 V

Electric current (I) through the circuit =?

Potential difference through each of the electric lamp =?

According to Ohm’s Law; total resistance in series

= Sum of resistance of all resistors = 15.2 Ω + 20 Ω = 35.2 Ω

Electric Current I = V/R = 220 V ÷ 35.2 Ω = 6.25 A

Potential difference (V₁) across electric lamp M = 15.2 Ω ÷ 6.25 A = 2.432 V

Potential difference (V₂) across electric lamp N = 20 Ω ÷ 6.25 A = 3.2 V

Thus, electric current through the circuit = 6.25 A

Potential difference through electric lamp M = 2.432 V

Potential difference through electric lamp N = 3.2 V

 

Example 3: There are two resistors R₁ and R₂ having resistance equal to 20Ω and 30Ω respectively are connected in parallel in an electric circuit. If the potential difference across the electric circuit is 5 V, find the electric current flowing through the circuit and the total resistance of the resistors.

Solution: Given, R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω, Potential difference (V) = 5 V

Total resistance (R) =?

Electric current (I) through the circuit =?

We know that in parallel combination, the reciprocal of total resistance is;

Now, electric current through the circuit I = V/R

Or, I = 5 V ÷ 12 Ω = 0.416 A

Thus, total resistance R = 12 Ω

Electric current (I) through the circuit = 0.416 A

 

Example 4: There are five electric appliances, viz. electric heater and electric lamp, an electric fan, computer and an exhaust fan are connected in parallel in a household. The resistance electric appliances are 40Ω, 5 Ω, 8Ω, 20Ω and 10Ω respectively. If an electric current of 240V is flowing through the circuit then find

Total resistance through the circuit

Total electric current (I) through the circuit and

the current through each of the resistor.

Solution: We know that the reciprocal of total resistance = sum of reciprocals of individual resistances

Or, R_total = 2 Ω

Now, electric current through the circuit = V/R

Or, I = 240 V ÷ 2 Ω = 120 A

Similarly, electric current through different appliances can be calculated as follows:

Electric current through heater = 240 V ÷ 40 Ω = 6 A

Electric current through electric lamp = 240 V ÷ 5 Ω = 48 A

Electric current through electric fan = 240 V ÷ 8 Ω = 30 A

Electric current through computer = 240 V ÷ 20 Ω = 12 A

Electric current through exhaust = 240 V ÷ 10 Ω + 24 A

The total current through the circuit can be calculated by adding the electric current through individual resistors.

Or, I_total = 6 A + 48 A + 30 A + 12 A + 24 A = 120 A