Parallel Circuits

The Main Idea

Parallel Circuit is a circuit that is connected in parallel. All components in parallel circuit are linked to the same set of electric points, and they can create several branches(individual paths) within a circuit. These individual paths provide multiple pathways to the charge, so whenever the charge encounters a branch it would travel to the lower potential. This means adding an additional resistor in a parallel circuit would result in a decreased resistance. In a parallel circuit, the potential difference is identical with each resistor positioned in different branches. If a single circuit is opened(broke), no charge would flow to that path, but other paths will have charges going through them.

A Mathematical Model

[math]\displaystyle{ \frac{1}{R}_{Total}=\frac{1}{R_1}+\frac{1}{R_2}+\frac{1}{R_3}+...\frac{1}{R_N} }[/math]

When calculating the total Reisistance in a parallel circuit, we need to know the basic principle:

More resistor in parallel circuit, less resistance. So, we need to find the sum of reciprocals of individual resistors to derive the total resistor.

[math]\displaystyle{ V_{Total}=V_1=V_2=V_3...=V_N }[/math]

We have to know that in a parallel circuit, potential difference through out the circuit is equal.

A Computational Model

How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript

Examples

Be sure to show all steps in your solution and include diagrams whenever possible

Connectedness

1. How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
2. How is it connected to your major?
3. Is there an interesting industrial application?

History

Put this idea in historical context. Give the reader the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

See also

Are there related topics or categories in this wiki resource for the curious reader to explore? How does this topic fit into that context?

Further reading

Books, Articles or other print media on this topic

External links

Internet resources on this topic

References

This section contains the the references you used while writing this page