Topic 3

Resistive Circuits
3.1 Resistance & Conductance
3.2 Ohm’s Law
3.3 Energy and Power
3.4 Kirchhoff’s Voltage & Current Laws
3.5 Resistors Configurations

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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
3.1.1 Resistance
less resistance
▪ Electrons move through a conductor when electric
current flows. All materials impede flow of current to
some extend. Some materials hold their electrons very
tightly, and due to this, electrons will not move through
more resistance
them very well.
▪ Resistance, R is defined as the property of the material
which restricts the flow of current. Its SI unit is ohm
and symbolised by the Greek letter omega ().
▪ The resistance of an object depends on its size, shape,
length and type of material.
▪ Resistivity, 𝝆 is defined as the resistance of the material
having specific dimensions of unit cross-sectional area A
Cylindrical Rectangular
and unit length. Its SI unit is ohm-meter (-m )
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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
3.1.1 Resistance
Materials Resistivity (-m) at 20C
Silver 1.64 x 10-8
𝝆ℓ Equation 3.1 Copper 1.72 x 10-8
𝑹 = ()
𝑨 Gold 2.45 x 10-8
Aluminium 2.83 x 10-8
Tungsten 5.52 x 10-8
where, Brass 7 x 10-8
R : resistance of material, in ohms () Nickel 7.8 x 10-8
 : resistivity of the material in ohm-meters (-m) Platinum 10 x 10-8
ℓ : length of current path of material, in meters (m)
A : cross-section area of material, in square-meters (m2) Lead 22.1 x 10-8
Nichrome 100 x 10-8

Table 3.1.1: Resistivity of common materials

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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
3.1.2 Temperature Effect on Resistance
▪ Most conductive materials change specific resistance with changes in temperature.
Specific resistance are always specified at a standard temperature usually 20° or 25° Celsius.
▪ The resistance-change factor per degree Celsius of temperature change is called the
temperature coefficient of resistance. This factor is represented by the Greek lower-case
letter “alpha” (α).
▪ A negative temperature coefficient (NTC), ▪ A positive temperature coefficient (PTC),
refers to materials that experience a refers to materials that experience an
decrease in electrical resistance when increase in electrical resistance when their
their temperature is raised. temperature is raised.
Resistance Resistance

Temperature Temperature
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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
3.1.2 Temperature Effect on Resistance
▪ In order to calculate the resistance of a material at different temperature, the following
equation can be used.

where,
R2 : resistance at new temperature T2
R2 = R1 [1+  (T2 - T1)] R1 : resistance at temperature T1
 : temperature coefficient of material at temperature T1
T1 : temperature at which  is given
T2 : new temperature
Equation 3.2

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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
Example 3.1.1 Example 3.1.2
▪ What is the resistance of a copper wire ▪ The resistance of a conductor is 2.26 at
at 30C if its resistance at 20C is 5  100C. Find its resistance at 20C. Given
and  (20C) is 0.00393/C ? its temperature coefficient at 20C is
0.00393/C.

T1 = 20C R1 = 5  = 0.00393/C T2 = 100C R2 = 2.26  = 0.00393/C

Solution: Solution:
R2 = R1 [1+  (T2 - T1)]
R2 = R1 [1+  (T2 - T1)]
R1 = R2 / [1+  (T2 - T1)]
= 5 [1+ 0.00393/C (30C - 20C)]
= 2.26 / [1+ 0.00393/C (100C - 20C)]
= 5.2
= 1.72

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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
3.1.3 Conductance
▪ Conductance (G) is the reciprocal of resistance. It is a measure of the ease with which a
conductor or resistor will pass current.
▪ It helps in analyzing property of material.
▪ The unit of conductance is siemens (S).

1 where,
G = G : conductance in siemens (S)
R R : resistance in ohms ()
Equation 3.3

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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
3.1.4 Resistor
Color bands Resistance material
(carbon composition)
Insulating coating
Leads

Figure [Link] : Construction of a typical fixed resistor

start

NB: 3 pointed peaks at the top &

end
3 pointed peaks at the bottom

Figure [Link] : Symbol of a Resistor

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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
3.1.5 Resistor Color Codes
▪ Most leaded resistors use coloured bands to identify their resistive values and tolerance
ratings. The number of bands varies from 3 to 6 bands. More bands represent a more
precise readout. Commonly in use is the 4-band resistor, as shown below.
▪ The first two bands, identify the first and second
digits of the resistance value. The third band 4-band resistor
indicates the number of zeros (or multiplier). An
exception to this is when the third band is either
silver or gold, which indicates a 0.01 or 0.1
multiplier, respectively.
▪ The fourth band indicates the tolerance reading. First Digit
Multiplier
It is always either silver or gold. A silver indicates
(No. of zeros)
a  10 tolerance and gold indicates a  5. And
no fourth band, presents a  20 tolerance. Second Digit Tolerance

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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
3.1.5 Resistor Color Codes (4-band)
Colour Codes for the First Three Bands Fourth Band
0 - Black Gold ± 5 %
1 - Brown Silver ± 10 %
2 - Red None ± 20 %
3 - Orange
4 - Yellow
5 - Green
6 - Blue
7 - Violet
8 - Grey
9 - White
0.1 - Gold
0.01 - Silver

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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
3.1.5 Resistor Color Codes
Example 3.1.2
▪ Determine the values of resistors with the following colour codes:

Yellow – violet – red – silver

4.7kΩ  10% 4 7 00  10%

Orange – orange – black – gold

33Ω  5% 3 3 none  5%

Brown – green – gold – gold

1.5Ω  5% 1 5 0.1  5%

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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
3.1.5 Resistor Color Codes
Tolerance
▪ The percentage tolerance is used to determine the range of resistance levels within which
the manufacturer guarantees the resistor will fall.

Example 3.1.3
▪ Determine the permissible limits in the resistance of a red - violet – orange - gold resistor?
Solution

Red – violet – orange – gold → R = 27000  5 % → R = 27k 5 %

2 7 103  5%

• Minimum resistance = 27k  - 5% = 27k  - 1.350k = 25.65k

• Maximum resistance = 27k  + 5% = 27k + 1.350k = 28.35k
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3.1 Resistance and Conductance
E-Learning
▪ Determine the resistor value by color coding:
[Link]

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3.2 Ohm’s Law
▪ Ohm’s Law states the relationship between the voltage, V in
volts (V), current, I in amperes (A) and resistance, R in ohms
() in a circuit.

▪ When any two of the

quantities are known, the V = IR Voltage (V)
3rd can be determined by
one of the following three V
V I + -
simple equations:
I= Current (A)
R R
V
R= Resistance (Ω)
I

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3.2 Ohm’s Law
▪ These equations indicates voltage is directly proportional to current and resistance.
▪ A plot of voltage V, versus current I, is a straight line passing through the origin.

Voltage, V

V
R=
I
Current, I

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3.2 Ohm’s Law
▪ The disc diagram shown below is a useful tool to learn Ohm’s Law.
▪ Note that V is always at the top, where V = IR, I = V/R and R = V/I.

𝑽 = 𝑰𝑹

𝑽 𝑽
𝑰= 𝑹=
𝑹 𝑰

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3.2 Ohm’s Law
Example 3.2.1 Example 3.2.2
▪ A heater with a resistance of 16 is ▪ A current of 4mA flows through a 5k
connected across the 240V power line. resistor. Calculate the voltage across the
Calculate the current that flows. resistor.

Solution Solution

I = V/R V =IR
= 240V / 16 = (4 x 10–3)A x (5 x 103)
= 15A = 20V

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3.2 Ohm’s Law
Example 3.2.3
▪ A resistor is connected to 24V supply, the current that flows is 5A. Calculate the value of
the resistance.

Solution
R = V/I
= 24V / (5 x 10-6) A
= 4.8 x 106 
= 4.8M

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3.3 Energy and Power
▪ Figure 3.3 shows some example on how electrical energy is converted into other forms of
energy.

(a) Electrical energy dissipated in a (b) Electrical energy supplied to a speaker

lamp is converted into light energy. is converted into sound energy.

(c) Electrical energy dissipated in a (d) Electrical energy dissipated in an

conductor as wasted heat energy. electronic device as wasted heat energy.

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3.3 Energy and Power
Energy (W)
▪ Energy is the ability to do work.
▪ The SI unit for energy or work done is Joule (J).

Power (P)
▪ Power is defined as the rate at which energy is used.
▪ The SI unit for power is Watt (W). A watt equals 1 joule of work per second (J/s).
where,
P : power in watts (W)
𝑾 W : work done in joules (J)
𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓, 𝑷 = t : time in seconds (s)
𝒕 or,
P : power in kilowatts (kW)
Equation 3.5 W : work done in kilowatt-hours (kWh)
t : time in hours (h)
Note : 1kWh = 3600 kW = 3.6MJ
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3.3 Energy and Power
Example 3.3.1
▪ A 2kW lamp is switched on for 6 hours. How much energy is consumed by the lamp?

Solution
Electrical Energy , W = Pxt
= (2 x 103 )W x (6 x [60x60])s
= (2 x 103 )W x (6 x 3600])s
= 432 x 105 J = 43.2 x 106 J
= 43.2MJ
or,

Electrical Energy , W = Pxt

= 2kW x 6h
= 12kWh
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3.3 Energy and Power
Power (P)
▪ In electrical system, the power supplied is 1W when an applied potential difference of 1 V
causes a current of 1 A to flow in a circuit or device.
where,
𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓, 𝑷 = 𝑽𝑰 P : power in watts (W)
V : voltage in volts (V)
I : current in amperes (A)
Equation 3.6

▪ From Ohm’s Law, V = I R and I = V/R, power can also be determined as:

𝑽𝟐
𝑷 = 𝑰𝟐𝑹 𝑷=
𝑹

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3.3 Energy and Power
Example 3.3.2 Example 3.3.3
▪ A lamp draws 200mA when connected ▪ How much current is needed for 1kW,
to a 240V supply. What is the power 240V toaster?
rating of the lamp?

Solution Solution

P = VxI I = P/V
= 240V x (200 x 10-3)A = 1 x 103 W / 240V
= 48W = 1000W / 240V
= 4.167A

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3.3 Energy and Power
Example 3.3.4 Example 3.3.5
▪ A 5k resistor is connected into a circuit ▪ What is the highest voltage that can be
where the current through it is 40mA. supplied to a 3k, 2W resistor without
Calculate the power dissipated in the exceeding its heat-dissipating capability?
resistor?

Solution Solution
V2
P = R I2 P = V 2 = PR
R
= ([40 x 10-3]A )2 x 5000
= 8W 𝐕 = PxR
= 2W x 3000Ω

= 77.46V

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3.3 Energy and Power
Example Self-Review
▪ What is the maximum voltage that a 10kΩ, ¼W resistor can safely handle without exceeding
its power rating? In a system with 250V maximum working voltage rating, is the rating of the
resistor being exceeded?

Solution

R = 10kΩ 𝐕 = PxR
= 0.25W x (10 x 103)Ω
P = ¼ W = 0.25W
= 𝟓𝟎𝑽
Maximum voltage resistor can safely handle.

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3.3 Energy and Power
Electrical Efficiency
▪ Not all the energy supplied to an electrical equipment is converted into a form of energy
that is useful in performing the work, which the equipment is set up to do. This wasted
energy is usually in the form of heat.
▪ The ability of a device to convert as much of the input power as possible into useful output
power is specified in terms of its efficiency.

𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫
𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲, 𝛈 = 𝐱 𝟏𝟎𝟎 %
𝐈𝐧𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫

Equation 3.7

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3.1 Resistance and Conductance

Example 3.3.6
▪ Calculate the efficiency of an electronic amplifier which receives a supply of 1.5W and
delivers 900mW of power to speaker.

Solution:

Pout
Efficiency, 𝛈 = x 100%
Pin

900 x 10−3 W
= x 100%
1.5W
= 60%

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3.4 Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws
3.4.1 Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
Kirchhoff’s Current Law states that :
▪ The algebraic sum of all the currents entering any node equals the algebraic sum of
all the currents leaving the node.

Current Flowing In Current Flowing Out

Junction Node
Iin1 Iout1 (Iin1 + Iin2 + Iin3) = (Iout1 + Iout2 + Iout3)

Total Current Entering the Junction Node

Iin2 Iout2
=
Total Currents Leaving the Junction Node
Iin3 Iout3

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3.4 Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws
3.4.1 Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
Kirchhoff’s Current Law states that :
▪ In Figure [Link], there are a few conductors meeting at a point P. Some conductors have
currents leading into point P, whereas other conductors are leading current away from point
P. By KCL, sum of incoming currents entering the node equal sum of outgoing currents.

iA iB
(Incoming currents = Outgoing currents)

P
iD iA + iB = iC + iD
iC

Figure [Link]

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3.4 Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws
3.4.1 Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
Example 3.4.1
▪ The known currents for a circuit junction are shown in Figure [Link]. What is the value and
direction of the unknown current I3?
Solution
I1 = 70 mA
▪ Current flowing into the node:
I2 = 100 mA I4 = 200mA IIN = I1 + I2 = 70mA + 100mA = 170mA
N ▪ Current flowing out of the node:
IOUT = I4 = 200 mA
I3 = ___?___

▪ Hence, I3 = 200mA – 170mA

Figure [Link] = 30mA (entering into the node)

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3.4 Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws
3.4.1 Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
Example Self-Review
▪ The known currents for a circuit junction are shown in Figure [Link]. Use KCL to solve for
the unknown current I3.
I1 = 1.5 A I4 = 6 A

I2 = 7 A

I3 = ? I5 = 8 A
Figure [Link]

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3.4 Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws
3.4.2 Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law states that :
▪ The algebraic sum of the voltages around I R1
any closed loop is equal to zero, or, + VR1 -
▪ The algebraic sum of all the voltage +
VR2 R2
drops around any closed loop is equal -to E +-
the algebraic sum of all the voltage -
sources in that loop. - VR3 +

Note, the polarity sign of voltage across: R3

o a resistor depends on the direction of current (-VR1) + (-VR2) + (-VR3) + (+E) = 0
through that resistor.
Sum of voltages around any closed loop
o a voltage source or battery is independent of is equal to zero.
the direction of the current through the branch.

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3.4 Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws
3.4.2 Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
Example 3.4.2
▪ Note: the value in potential across any two points. A decrease in potential is considered as
negative, an increase is considered as positive.
▪ Consider the closed loop ABCDA. A
Starting from point A and travel in clockwise direction,
the voltages are as follows:
From A to B:
▪ I1R1 is –ve (decrease in potential) B
D
From B to C:
▪ I2R2 is –ve (decrease in potential)
▪ E2 is –ve (decrease in potential)
C
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3.4 Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws
3.4.2 Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
From C to D:
▪ I2R3 is –ve (decrease in potential)
A
From D to A:
▪ E1 is +ve (increase in potential)
▪ I4R4 is +ve (increase in potential)
B
Using Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law, D
▪ -I1R1 - I2R2 - E2 – I2R3 + E1+ I4R4 = 0
(sum of all the voltages in a closed loop = 0)
or
C
▪ I1R1 + I2R2 + I2R3 - I4R4 = E1– E2
(The algebraic sum of all the voltage drops around any closed loop is equal to the
algebraic sum of all the voltage sources in that loop)
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3.4 Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws
3.4.2 Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
Example 3.4.3 Solution

▪ Determine the value of voltage across R4 (VR4). ▪ Using Ohm’s Law,

VR1 = I R1 = 200mA x 10Ω = 2V
Vs = 100V VR2 = I R2 = 200mA x 47Ω = 9.4V
+ -
VR3 = I R3 = 200mA x 100Ω = 20V
-
+

R1 = 10Ω VR1 I = 200mA VR4 R4

▪ Using KVL,
-
+
+ VR2 - + VR3 - VS – VR1 – VR2 – VR3 – VR4 = 0
VR4 = VS – VR1 – VR2 – VR3
R2 = 47Ω R3 = 100Ω
= 100V – 2V - 9.4V – 20V
= 68.6V
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.1 Resistors in Series Circuit
▪ When resistors are connected from
point to point (as shown in Figure
3.5.1), where there is only one
current path the resistors are said to
be connected in series.
I
▪ The common current flows from
positive terminal through all the
resistors and back to the negative
terminal of the battery.

Figure 3.5.1
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.1 Resistors in Series Circuit
▪ The total resistance RT of a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistance in the circuit.
▪ For n number of resistors connected in series, the total resistance,

RT = R1 + R2 + R3 + … + Rn Equation 3.8

▪ For example, in Figure 3.5.2, the total resistance, RT with 3 resistors connected in series is,
R1

+
V R2 RT = R1 + R2 + R3
-

R3
Figure 3.5.2
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.1 Resistors in Series Circuit
▪ From Ohm’s Law, the total resistance can also be determined as:

where,
𝐄 RT : total resistance of the circuit (Ω)
𝐑𝐓 =
𝐈𝐓 E : voltage source (V)
IT : total current of the circuit (A)
Equation 3.9

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.1 Resistors in Series Circuit
▪ The equivalent circuit of Figure 3.5.2 is shown in Figure 3.5.3.

▪ An equivalent circuit of the series circuit consists of a voltage source and total resistance RT,
which is the sum of all the resistors in series.
IT R1 IT

+ +
+
E R2 E VRT RT
- - -
RT
RT = R1 + R2 + R3
(sum of all resistors in series)
R3
Figure 3.5.2 Figure 3.5.3

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.1 Resistors in Series Circuit
Example 3.5.1 Solution

▪ For the circuit shown in Figure 3.5.4, ▪ Total resistance:

calculate the total resistance RT, the total RT = R1 + R2 + R3
current IT and redraw the circuit using E = 1.0 k + 2.2k + 3.3k
and RT. = 6.5k
IT R1 = 1.0kΩ ▪ Total current:
IT = E / RT = 12V / (6.5k)
+ = 1.846 x 10 –3 A = 1.846mA
E = 12V R2 = 2.2k Ω ▪ Equivalent circuit:
- IT
RT
1.846mA
R3 = 3.3kΩ E + RT
12V - 6.5k
Figure 3.5.4
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.2 Resistors in Parallel Circuit
▪ Resistors are in parallel with one another when they are
all connected between the same two junction points or
nodes. Figure 3.5.5 shows the 3 resistors, R1, R2 and R3
are connected in parallel.

▪ The voltage across each resistor is the same as the

battery voltage source.

▪ The total resistance of a parallel circuit is RT

▪ RT of n parallel resistors is given by:

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= + + +. . . . . . . . +
𝐑𝐓 𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟐 𝐑𝟑 𝐑𝐧 Figure 3.5.5
Equation 3.10
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.2 Resistors in Parallel Circuit
▪ If there are 3 resistors in parallel , then

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= + + Equation 3.11 𝐄 𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟐 𝐑𝟑
𝐑𝐓 𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟐 𝐑𝟑

▪ If there are only 2 resistors in parallel, then

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝐑𝟏 + 𝐑𝟐
= + =
𝐑𝐓 𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟐 𝐑𝟏𝐑𝟐
product 𝐄 𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟐
𝐑𝟏𝐑𝟐
𝐑𝐓 = Equation 3.12
𝐑𝟏 + 𝐑𝟐
sum
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.2 Resistors in Parallel Circuit
▪ In a parallel circuit, the voltage across parallel elements is the same, as shown in Figure
3.5.6.
E = VR1 = VR2 = VR3
I𝐈T𝐓
+ I1 + I2 + I3
+
E VR1 R1 VR2 R2 VR3 R3
-
- - -
Figure 3.5.6

▪ In a parallel circuit, the total current flowing into the branch is the sum of all the branch
currents.
IT = I 1 + I 2 + I 3
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.2 Resistors in Parallel Circuit
▪ The current through each resistor is simply determined by Ohm’s Law:
IT
+ + +
I1 I2 I3
𝐄 𝐄 𝐄 +
𝐈𝟏 = 𝐈𝟐 = 𝐈𝟑 = E- VR1 R1 VR2 R2 VR3 R3
𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟐 𝐑𝟑
- - -

▪ The total current can be calculated by the equation:

where,
𝐄 IT
𝐈𝐓 = IT = total current flowing through the circuit (A)
𝐑𝐓 RT = total resistance of the circuit (Ω) +
E RT
E = voltage source (V) -

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.2 Resistors in Parallel Circuit
Example 3.5.3 Solution
▪ For the circuit shown in Figure 3.5.7, calculate ▪ Total resistance:
the total resistance, RT, the total current IT. 1 1 1 1
= + +
RT R1 R2 R3
IT 1 1 1
= + +
I1 I2 I3 2.7kΩ 3.3kΩ 4.7kΩ
E + R1 R2 R3
𝐑 𝐓 = 1.128kΩ
12V - 2.7kΩ 3.3kΩ 4.7kΩ
▪ Total current:
E 12V 12V
𝐈𝐓 = = =
Figure 3.5.7 RT 1.128kΩ 1128Ω
= 0.0106A = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟔𝐦𝐀

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.2 Resistors in Parallel Circuit
Example 3.5.3

▪ For the circuit shown in Figure 3.5.7, recalculate the total resistance, RT and the total current
IT if only R1 and R2 are present.

Solution
R1 R 2
𝐑𝐓 =
R1 + R 2
2.7kΩ x 3.3kΩ 8.91 (kΩ x kΩ)
= = = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟖𝟓𝐤Ω
2.7kΩ + 3.3kΩ 6kΩ

E 12V 12V −3A = 𝟖. 𝟎𝟖𝐦𝐀

𝐈𝐓 = = = = 8.08 x 10
R T 1.485kΩ 1.485 x103Ω
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.2 Resistors in Parallel Circuit
Current Divider
▪ Circuit in Figure 3.5.8 shows a generalised ▪ The branch current can be determined
parallel circuit with n branches (n can be by the following formula:
any number). IT is the total current that
flows into the branch, I1, I2, I3….In are the 𝐑𝐓
branch currents. 𝐈𝐧 = 𝐈𝐓 ( ) Equation 3.13
IT 𝐑𝐧

I1 I2 I3 In
where,
R1 R2 R3 Rn In = current in the nth branch (A)
RT = total resistance (Ω)
Rn = resistance of the nth branch (Ω)

Figure 3.5.8
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.2 Resistors in Parallel Circuit
▪ If there are only 2 resistors connected in parallel, the respective branch current that flows
can be determine as: IT
𝐑𝟏 x 𝐑𝟐 II1 II22
𝐑𝐓 𝐑𝟏 + 𝐑𝟐
𝐈𝟏 = 𝐈𝐓 = 𝐈𝐓 𝐕𝑺 R
𝐑 1𝟏 R
𝐑2𝟐
𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝟏

Current in R1: Current in R2:

R
𝐑2𝟐 R𝐑1𝟏
I𝐈𝟏1 = 𝐈𝐓 𝐈I𝟐2 = 𝐈𝐓
𝐑𝟏 + 𝐑𝟐 𝐑𝟏 + 𝐑𝟐
Equation 3.14 (a) Equation 3.14 (b)

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.3 Series-Parallel Circuit
▪ Figure 3.5.9 (a) as seen from the voltage source E, R2 and R3 are in series. The series
combination is then in parallel with R1. The series R2 and R3 are combined to form R2,3 as
shown in Figure 3.5.9 (b). The voltage across R2,3 is the same as the voltage across R1 and
across E. The total resistance of the network can be replaced by a single resistor, RT is as
shown in Figure 3.5.9 (c).
IT I2 R2 IT I2 IT
I1 + VR2 - I3 I1 I2,3 IT
+ + + + + + +
E E E +
VR1 R1 VR3 R3 VR1 R1 VR2,3 R2,3 VRT RT
- - -
RT - - RT - - RT -
E = VR1 = VR2 + VR3 E = VR1 = VR2,3 E = VRT
Figure 3.5.9 (a) Figure 3.5.9 (b) Figure 3.5.9 (c)
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.3 Series-Parallel Circuit
Example 3.5.4

▪ Referring to the circuit shown in Figure 3.5.10, determine the following:

(i) Total Resistance RT as seen from

the voltage source E.
(ii) Total current IT.
(iii) The voltage drop across the
resistor R1, VR1.
(iv) The voltage drop across the
resistor R2, VR2.
Figure 3.5.10

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
IT R1 = 12Ω I3
3.5.3 Series-Parallel Circuit I2

Solution E + R2 R3,4,5
4V - 5Ω 20Ω
RT
(i) Total Resistance RT as seen from the voltage source E.
▪ Let R3,4,5 be the resistor for series R3, R4 and R5. IT R1 = 12Ω
R3,4,5 = R3 + R4 + R5
= 8Ω + 2Ω + 10Ω = 20Ω
E + R2,3,4,5
4V - 4Ω
▪ Let R2,3,4,5 be the resistor of R3,4,5 parallel R2 . RT
R2,3,4,5 = (R3,4,5 x R2) / (R2 + R3,4,5 )
IT
= (20Ω x 5Ω) / (20Ω + 5Ω) = 4Ω

▪ Let RT be the total resistance of the circuit. E + RT

RT = R2,3,4,5 + R1 4V - 16Ω
RT
= 4Ω + 12Ω = 16Ω
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.3 Series-Parallel Circuit
IT
Solution

(ii) Total current: E + RT

▪ IT = E / RT 4V -
RT 16Ω
= 4V / 16Ω
= 0.25A

R1 = 12Ω
(iii) The voltage drop across the resistor R1: IT
▪ VR1 = IT x R1 + VR1 -
= 0.25A x 12Ω E + R2,3,4,5
4V - 4Ω
= 3V RT

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.3 Series-Parallel Circuit
Solution

(iv) The voltage drop across the resistor R2 (VR2).

▪ Applying KVL: (abcda) a b

E - VR1 - VR2 = 0
VR2 = E – VR1
= 4V – 3V
= 1V d c

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
‘break’ in circuit path
3.5.4 Open-Circuit and Short-Circuit in a Series Circuit
R1
IT
▪ An open circuit occurs when the current path in the
circuit is broken and there is no current flowing
through that part of the circuit. R2
▪ Figure 3.5.11 (a) shows an open circuit occurring in a X
simple series resistance circuit. Since there is no + VOC = E
current flow, ( i.e. IT = 0), between terminals X and Y, E Y
-
the open circuit terminal voltage, Voc = E.
R3
IT = 0

Voc = E Figure 3.5.11 (a)

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.4 Open-Circuit and Short-Circuit in a Series Circuit ‘short’ in circuit path
▪ A short circuit occurs when a conductor connects R1
two points of a circuit together. A short circuit has IT
practically zero resistance or very low resistance.
▪ Figure 3.5.11 (b) shows a simple series resistance R2
circuit with Points P and Q short-circuited. Here, the
resistance between the terminals (P and Q) of R3 is +
effectively zero. E P
-
▪ Hence, instead of the current: R3
IT = E / (R1 + R2 + R3) ,

it becomes, IT = E / (R1 + R2) Q

Figure 3.5.11 (b)

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.4 Open-Circuit and Short-Circuit in a Parallel Circuit
▪ In Figure 3.5.12 (a), there is an open circuit between points A and B, hence

IT = I3 + I4
IT

+ VR1 - I2= 0 I3 I4
A
open-circuit path
+ B
E + +
- R22 R3 R4
VR3 VR4
IT - -

Figure 3.5.12 (a)

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.4 Open-Circuit and Short-Circuit in a Parallel Circuit
▪ In Figure 3.5.12 (b), there is an open circuit between points X and Y. No current can flow
through the circuit.
IT = 0A
open-circuit path
R1

XIT X Y I2 I3 I4

+
E
- R2 R3 R4
IT
Figure 3.5.12 (b)
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3.5 Configurations of Resistors
3.5.4 Open-Circuit and Short-Circuit in a Parallel Circuit
▪ A short circuit across one branch in a parallel circuit shorts all the parallel branches.

▪ For example, in Figure 3.5.12 (c), there 𝐄

is a short-circuit between R and S. The 𝐈𝐓 =
𝐑𝟏
short-circuit effect is also across R4, R3
short-circuit path
and R2. R1
▪ No branch current flows through R2, R3 IT R
and R4. IT will flow out from the + VR1 - I2 I3 I4
positive terminal of the battery, +
through R1, the short circuit path and E R2 R3 R4
-
back to the negative terminal of the IT
battery.
S
Figure 3.5.12 (c)
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.5 Resistors in Series and Parallel
Example 3.5.5
▪ For the circuit shown in Figure 3.5.13, determine:
R1 40Ω
(a) total resistance RT seen by the battery.
(b) total current, IT.
IT
(c) total current, IT, drawn from the R2 60Ω R4
battery supply if resistors R3 and R5 20Ω
E + R3
are open-circuited. 30Ω
10V -
(d) total resistance, RT and the power R5 R6
RT 10Ω 10Ω
dissipated in resistor R1 (PR1), if
resistor R3 is short-circuited.
Figure 3.5.13

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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.5 Resistors in Series and Parallel
Solution
(a) Total resistance:
RT = {[(R5 // R6 ) + R4 ] //R3 } + (R1 // R2)
= {[(10Ω // 10Ω ) + 20Ω ] // 30Ω } + [40Ω // 60Ω]
10Ω x 10Ω 40Ω x 60Ω
={ ( ) + 20Ω // 30Ω} +
10Ω + 10Ω 40Ω + 60Ω

= { 5Ω + 20Ω // 30Ω} + 24Ω

= 13.64Ω + 24Ω
= 𝟑𝟕. 𝟔𝟒Ω
(b) Total current: E +
RT
10V -
E 10V RT
IT = = = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟔𝟔𝐀 = 𝟐𝟔𝟔𝐦𝐀
RT 37.64Ω IT
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.5 Resistors in Series and Parallel
Solution
(c) Total current IT, if resistors R3 and R5 are open-circuited:
R1 40Ω
RT = (R1 // R2 ) + R4 + R6
40Ω x 60Ω
= + 20Ω + 10Ω
40Ω + 60Ω R2 60Ω R4
= 24Ω + 30Ω 20Ω
E + R3
= 𝟓𝟒Ω 10V - 30Ω
R55 R6
10Ω 10Ω
IT = (E / RT )
= 10V / 54Ω
= 0.185A = 185mA
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3.5 Resistors Configurations
3.5.5 Resistors in Series and Parallel
Solution
(d) If resistor R3 is short-circuited,
effectively only R1 and R2 are present, hence, the new total resistance,
R1 40Ω
RT = (R1 // R2 )
40Ω x 60Ω
=
40Ω + 60Ω R2 60Ω R4
= 𝟐𝟒Ω 20Ω
E + R3
10V - 30Ω
R5 R6
10Ω 10Ω
The power dissipated in R1,
PR1 = E2 / R1 = (10V)2 / 40 = 2.5W

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