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A system of resistors is a combination or a group of resistors in a circuit.
The resistors can be connected in different combinations to form an electric circuit. But, there are only two basic methods of joining resistors. These are:
a. Resistors in series
b. Resistors in parallel
We can easily compute the effective resistance of resistors with different resistance values when it is connected in series and parallel.
Resistors connected in series:
Let the resistances of three resistors be \(R_1\), \(R_2\) and \(R_3\), connected in series, and 'I' be the current flowing through the circuit. A voltmeter is connected across the series combination of three resistors \(R_1\), \(R_2\) and \(R_3\). The key is plugged, and the potential difference \(V\) across the two terminals of the battery are measured from the voltmeter.
Resistors connected in series
Then, the key is removed, and the voltmeter is disconnected. Now, the voltmeter is linked across the ends of the first resistor, and the potential difference \(V_1\) is measured. Likewise, the voltmeter is linked separately for the second and the third resistors and the potential difference \(V_2\) and \(V_3\) are found, respectively.
Resistors connected in series with a voltmeter
According to Ohm's law, the potential differences \(V_1\), \(V_2\) and \(V_3\) across \(R_1\), \(R_2\) and \(R_3\), respectively, are given by
The sum of the potential differences across the ends of each resistor is given by
Substituting the values of \(V_1\), \(V_2\) and \(V_3\) in the above equation, we get
---- (eq. 1)
A single resistor that can effectively replace all the resistors in the electric circuit to maintain the same current is known as an Effective resistor.
Let \(R_S\) be the effective resistance of the series-combination of the resistors. Then, the (eq. 1) becomes
\(V\) \(=\) \(I\ R_S\)
\(\)
On substituting the values of effective resistance \(V\) in (eq. 1), we get
\(\)
\(\)
Important!
In a series circuit, the effective or equivalent resistance is equal to the sum of the individual resistances of the resistors.
When '\(n\)' number of resistors with an equal resistance '\(R\)' are connected in series, their equivalent resistance is given as '\(n R\)'. Hence,
\(R_S\) \(=\) \(n R\)
Important!
The equivalent resistance in a series combination is greater than the highest of the individual resistances.
From the diagram, it is deduced that the current '\(I\)' remains constant throughout the series circuit. In other words, the current in every point or junction of the circuit is the same.
In a series circuit, the electrical components are connected in a single loop, one after the other. The electric charge in a series circuit can only flow in one direction. If the circuit is broken or disturbed at any point in the loop, the current cannot flow through the circuit, and hence electric appliances linked to it will not function.
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