How To Solve Parallel Circuits 10 Steps With Pictures

Components “connected in parallel” are each located on a separate branch.

For example, a circuit has two resistors in parallel, each with 4Ω resistance. 1/RT = 1/4Ω + 1/4Ω → 1/RT = 1/2Ω → RT = 2Ω. In other words, two branches of equal resistance are exactly twice as easy to get through as one branch alone. If one branch has no resistance (0Ω), all the current goes through that branch. The total resistance is 0. [6] X Research source

Make sure every value refers to the same portion of the circuit. You may use Ohm’s Law to examine the total circuit (V = ITRT) or a single branch (V = I1R1).

Make sure every value refers to the same portion of the circuit. You may use Ohm’s Law to examine the total circuit (V = ITRT) or a single branch (V = I1R1).

RT = R1R2 / (R1 + R2)

For example, two identical resistors in parallel provides ½ the total resistance of one resistor alone. Eight identical resistors provide ⅛ of the total resistance.

Two resistors in parallel: I1 = ITR2 / (R1 + R2) More than two resistors in parallel: To solve for I1, find the combined resistance of all resistors besides R1. Remember to use the formula for resistors in parallel. Now use the equation about, replacing R2 with your answer.