How do you calculate the total resistance of two resistors, R1 and R2, when they are in series and when they are in parallel?

When resistors are in series you may add up their resistances to find the total resistance, RTotal= R1 + R2. However, when resistors are in parallel, it gets a little more complicated. You must use the equation RTotal=1/((1/R1)+(1/R2)).

JM
Answered by Jamie M. Physics tutor

11919 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A balloon's volume is 0.002m^3 at room temperature (20°C). What volume will the balloon occupy when it is cooled to -5°C? Give your answer to 3 significant figures.


Using newtons laws explain how a falling object can reach terminal velocity (6)


Houses lose majority of their energy through the roof and windows. State the three methods of energy transfer. For the roof and windows respectively, describe one adaptation that could be made to improve their efficiency and explain their method.


State Newton's 1st Law:


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning