So this week we learned more about distinguishing between parallel and series setups... when resistors are added in series, the total resistance goes up. I drew a picture of one for this blog's picture. It's actually from my notes, so if you follow along with my short narrative, you can see what I mean in the picture. We learned that one path is equal to one current. Likewise, in a parallel situation, there are multiple paths, and therefore have multiple currents. To calculate these things, we find the equivalent resistance using the resistance total = resistor 1 + resistor 2 +resistor 3... etc. Once Req is found, we then find the current of the battery by using the total voltage divided by the Req. Then we use Ohm's Law (V=IR) to calculate the voltage drops across each resistor, then we find the current through each resistor. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it. The current will follow the path of least resistance, so in a parallel setup, the first encountered resistor usually gets the most current.
Also! I learned that our homes are set up in a parallel fashion so that way, if a resistor is blown or broken, the rest of the house still lights up and still works! How smart! :)
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