Resistors

Question 1

If a group of conductors are in paralell, what mathmatical concept must you use to find out the overall resistance?

Answer 1

Reciprocals

Question 1

What is the most important thing to remember when calculating the combined values of paralell resistors?

Answer 1

The combined resistance will always be lower than the lowest resistance value.

Question 2

What is the formula used when trying to calculate two resistors in paralell?

Answer 2

Rₜ= R₁x R₂ / R₁+ R₂
(Total Resistance is equal to the first resistor multiplied by the second, divided by the sum of the two resistors).

Question 3

What is the first method of using reciprocals to calculate the total resistance in a circuit with multiple resistors in paralell? (Using multiplication).

Answer 3

1. Write out full equation
2. Find the lowest common denomenator of all the different numbers.
3. Multiply the numerator to suit the denomenator.
4. Add the numerators together.
5. Flip the numerator and denomenator.
6. Solve division.
7. Double check to make sure the result is lower than the smallest individual resistor.

Question 4

What is the second method of using reciprocals to calculate the total resistance in a circuit with multiple resistors in paralell? (Using division and addition).

Answer 4

1. Write out full equation.
2. Solve division of recipricals.
3. Add together results.
4. Divide result into 1.
5. Check this result is lower than the smallest individual resistance value.