EXPERIENCE 3
Electric Current
While resistors connected in series can be added to find the total resistance,
resistors in parallel cannot. The total resistance (or equivalent resistance) of resistors
connected in parallel is lower than any of the individual resistances.
Parallel Combination of Resistors
1 = ___
____ 1 + ___
1 + ___
1
𝑅equ 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3
𝑅equ = equivalent resistance
𝑅1 = resistance of resistor 1
𝑅2 = resistance of resistor 2
𝑅3 = resistance of resistor 3
Three resistors connected
in a parallel combination
are equivalent to one
resistor with a larger area.
Defend Your Claim Suppose the three resistors in the diagram have
the following resistances: 𝑅1 = 220 Ω, 𝑅2 = 100 Ω, and, 𝑅3 = 150 Ω.
A student claims that the equivalent resistance is approximately 155 Ω.
Is the student correct? Defend your claim with evidence.
50 Investigation 4 Electric Forces
Mathematical Practices:
Look for Repeated Reasoning
Complex circuits include resistors in series and in parallel. Solving for the total
resistance of a complex circuit might involve calculating equivalent resistances
multiple times. Locating and marking where you will repeat this step can help you
develop a solution strategy.
Step 1 The resistors in series can be added to find Requ-1. Use the equation for
resistors in series: Requ-1 = R3 + R4
Step 2 A second equivalent resistance (Requ-2) can replace the resistors in parallel.
1 = __
Use the equation for resistors in parallel: _____ 1 1 + __
_____ 1
R R +R
equ-2 2 Requ-1 5
Step 3 By drawing a new circuit diagram with Requ-2 replacing the parallel branches, it
is easier to see that Requ-2 is in series with R1. Use the equation for resistors in series to
find Requ-3, which is the total resistance:
Requ-3 = Rtotal = R1 + Requ-2
Electric Current 51
3-Dimensional Review
1. DCI Relationship Between Energy and Forces Describe how a uniform field will
impact electron movement if two terminals of a battery are connected together
using a silver wire.
2. SEP Developing and Using Models A resistor is an object which opposes the
flow of electric current. Answer the following questions about the resistance
model shown:
a. Are resistors 1 and 2 in series? Explain why or why not.
b. What type of combination are resistors 2 and 3 in? What is their equivalent
resistance?
c. Do resistors have equivalent greater resistance in parallel or in series? Explain
why your answer makes sense based on the current.
3. CCC Cause and Effect Current density is a vector quantity representing the
amount of current flow through an area. Circle all of the following that would not
result in an increased current.
a. increased drift velocity b. decreased electric field
c. increased resistance d. increased conductivity
52 Investigation 4 Electric Forces
Skills Practice
4. Three resistors are connected in a combination of series and parallel. Resistor R1 is
in series with the combination of resistors R2 and R3 in parallel. The resistors have
resistance R1 = 8.000 Ω, R2 = 8.000 Ω, and R3 = 8.000 Ω. Sketch a picture of the
situation and determine the equivalent resistance of the combination of resistors.
5. Three resistors are connected in a combination of series and parallel. The
combination of parallel resistors R1 and R2 is in series with resistor R3. The resistors
have resistance R1 = 12.00 Ω, R2 = 13.00 Ω, and R3 = 14.00 Ω. Sketch a picture of the
situation and determine the equivalent resistance of the combination of resistors.
6. Three resistors are connected in a combination of series and parallel. Resistor R1
is in series with the combination of resistors R2 and R3 in parallel. The resistors have
resistance R1 = 10.00 Ω, R2 = 15.00 Ω, and R3 = 20.00 Ω. Determine the equivalent
resistance of the combination of resistors.
a. 5.03 Ω b. 8.57 Ω
c. 10.12 Ω d. 18.33 Ω
Electric Current 53