Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

College of Education
Sumacab Este, Campus
Cabanatuan City

UNIT IV: ELECTRONICS/ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

LESSON 3: RESISTORS IN SERIES/PARALLEL
CONNECTION

Reported by:
PUNONGBAYAN, SHYLA MAXILL GONZALES
BSIE 2-A
Topics:
Resistors in Series/Parallel Connection
 Definition of Resistor
  Example of Real-World Applications of a Resistor
 Identifying Resistor/s Connected in Series or Parallel Circuit in a
Resistor Combination Circuit
 Process of Calculating the Total Resistance in a Resistor
Combination Circuit
Objectives:
At the end of the discussion, students must be able to :

1. Identify resistor in a series or parallel circuits within resistor combination circuits;

2. Calculate the total resistance in resistor combination circuits; and
3. Develop an appreciation for real-world applications of resistor.

Materials:
 Power Point Presentation
 Instructional Materials (TarPapel)
 Resistors
Time Allotment:
1 Hour
References:
De Guzman, E., Retrieved from Module in Fundamentals of Electronics
Calculating total resistance of a combination circuit. Retrieved from
https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/University_Physics/University_Physics_%28OpenStax
%29/Book%3A_University_Physics_II_-_Thermodynamics_Electricity_and_Magnetism_
%28OpenStax%29/10%3A_Direct-Current_Circuits/
10.03%3A_Resistors_in_Series_and_Parallel
Series and parallel circuit. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/-w-VTw0tQlE?
si=jBeaXhoEuegzzUe9
How to find the total resistance of a circuit. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=RIRdHuwMj3U

Procedure:
Introduction:
a) Greetings
b) Prayer
c) Checking of Attendance
d) Review of the Previous Topic/s

Activity/Motivation (10 Minutes)

SCHEMATICA
Mechanics of the Game
 The class will be divided into 4 groups.
 All members must participate in the game.
 The challenge is to accurately build a schematic diagram using only
the materials inside your bag or items that you are wearing in just 3
minutes.
 You will be graded based on the accuracy of the diagram.
Analysis (5 minutes)

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Process the activity further by asking questions.
1. Base on the game, what do you think is the topic we will tackle today?
2. What is the purpose of a schematic diagram?
3. As a BSIE student, why is it important to know the signs and symbols of the component in
an electric circuit?

Lesson Proper

Resistor
An electrical component that limits the flow of
electrical current in an electronic circuit.

Real-World Applications of Resistor

Laptop chargers, phone chargers, and potentiometers use resistors for various
purposes. In laptop and phone chargers, resistors control current flow, ensuring the right
amount of current reaches the devices. Potentiometers, which are variable resistors, adjust
voltage or current in circuits, allowing for precise adjustments within the circuit. Overall,
resistors are essential components in these devices, contributing to their functionality and
safety.

Laptop Charger Phone Charger Potentiometer

Resistor Combination or Mixed Resistor Circuits

A resistor combination circuit consists of resistors connected in both series and
parallel configurations within the same circuit. In such circuits, resistors are arranged in
various combinations to create complex resistive networks.

Circuit Analysis
Mathematical process of studying and analyzing electrical quantities in an electronic
circuit. It involves determining unknown elements.

To identify whether a resistor is connected in a series or parallel circuit within a resistor

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combination circuit, you can follow these principles:
● Series Connection: In a series circuit, the current flows sequentially through the
resistors, and the same current passes through each resistor. If there is only one path
for the current to flow through all resistors, they are in series.
● Parallel Connection: In a parallel circuit, all the resistor leads on one side are
connected together, and all the leads on the other side are connected together. Each
resistor in a parallel configuration has the same potential drop across it, and the
currents through each resistor may vary.
By analyzing the circuit and observing the flow of current and potential drops, you can
determine if the resistors are in series or parallel within a combination circuit. This
understanding is crucial for calculating the equivalent resistance and analyzing the circuit
effectively.

Example:

How to Calculate Total Resistance in A Resistor Combination Circuits?

To calculate the total resistance in a resistor combination circuit, follow these steps:
1. Reduce Circuit: Simplify the circuit by converting it into a single equivalent resistor. Re-
draw the circuit at each step, reducing simple series and parallel parts to single equivalent
resistors.
2. Calculate Total Resistance: Determine the total resistance of the circuit by finding the
equivalent resistance of the simplified circuit.
3. Apply Ohm's Law: Use Ohm's Law (V=IR) to calculate the total current flowing through
the circuit by dividing the total voltage by the total resistance.
4. Analyze Voltage Drops: Determine the voltage drops across each resistor and the
branch currents one stage at a time, working backward to the original circuit configuration.
By following these steps, you can effectively calculate the total resistance in a combination
circuit, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the circuit's behavior and characteristics.

Example:
Calculate the total current (I) taken from the 12V supply.

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 This may seem like a difficult task at first glance, but a closer look will reveal that the
two resistors R2 and R3 are both connected together in a series combination, which
can then be added up together. For this combination, the resultant resistance will be:

R2 + R3 = 8Ω + 4Ω = 12Ω

So we can replace both resistor R2and R3 with a single resistor of resistance value of
12 Ohms.

A single resistor RA is now created that is parallel with the resistor R4. This can then
be reduced to a single resistor value R(com) using the formula for two parallel connected
resistors, as shown below.

R(eq) = 1/RA + 1/R4 = 1/12 + 1/12 = 0.1667

R (combination) = 1/R(eq) = 1/0.1667 = 6 Ohms

A new simplified circuit will now look like this:

The two remaining resistances, R1 and R(com) are now connected in series
combination and can be added together in order to obtain the total circuit resistance
between points A and B.

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 R(ab) = Rcomb + R1 = 6Ω + 6Ω = 12Ω

The original four-resistor combinations circuit above can now be replaced by a single
resistance of just 12 Ohms.

By using Ohm’s Law, the value of the current ( I ) flowing around the circuit is
calculated as:
Then we can see that any complicated resistive circuit consisting of several resistors
can be reduced to a simple single circuit with only one equivalent resistor by replacing all
the resistors connected together in series or in parallel using the steps above.

We can take this one step further by using Ohms Law to find the two branch currents,
I1 and I2 as shown.

V(R1) = I*R1 = 1*6 = 6 volts

V(RA) = VR4 = (12 – VR1) = 6 volts
Thus:
I1 = 6V ÷ RA = 6 ÷ 12 = 0.5A or 500mA
I2 = 6V ÷ R4 = 6 ÷ 12 = 0.5A or 500mA
Since the resistive values of the two branches are the same at 12Ω, the two branch
currents of I1 and I2 are also equal at 0.5A (or 500mA) each. This therefore gives a total
supply current, IT of: 0.5 + 0.5 = 1.0 amperes as calculated above.

It is sometimes easier with complex resistor combinations and resistive networks to

sketch or redraw the new circuit after these changes have been made, as this helps as a
visual aid to the maths. Then continue to replace any series or parallel combinations until
one equivalent resistance, REQ is found.

Application (10 minutes)

In oral recitation, say 1 word/phrase that best describes the importance of a resistor for you
and explain why.

Post Test

Name: _______________________________________ Score:

_________________
Course, Year, & Section: ________________________ Date:
__________________

Part I. MULTIPLE CHOICE

Directions: Read each question carefully to understand what is being asked.
Analyze all the options before encircling your answer. (1 point)

1. What do you call an electrical component that limits the flow of electrical current
in an electronic circuit?
A. Inductor
B. Capacitor
C. Resistor

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 D. Transistor
2. What is a mathematical process of studying and analyzing electrical quantities in
an electronic circuit?
A. Electric Circuit
B. Mathematical Analysis
C. Problem Solving
D. Circuit Analysis
3. Resistor Combination Circuit is also known as…?
A. Combined Resistor Circuit
B. Mixed Resistor Circuit
C. Series/Parallel Circuit
D. Combined Electric Circuit
4. Which of the following is NOT an example of a real-world application of resistor?
A. Laptop Charger
B. Mobile Phone Charger
C. Fan Speed Controller
D. Extension Cord
5. What is the formula in computing total resistance of series circuit?
A. RT = R1 - R2 - R3 -…
B. RT = R1 + R2 + R3 +⋯
C. RT = R1 x R2 x R3 x…
D. RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 +⋯

Part II. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM SKETCH

Directions: Inside the rectangle, draw a mixed resistor circuit schematic diagram
consist of three (3) resistors that is connected in a series circuit and two (2)
resistors that is connected in a parallel circuit. Label each resistor and add a value
not higher than 10 Ohms. (5 points)

Part III. TOTAL RESISTANCE COMPUTATION

Directions: Using the schematic diagram you draw, solve for the total resistance of
the circuit. Provide the formulas, solutions, and encircle the final answer at the back

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of your paper. STRICTLY AVOID ERASURE. (5 points)

ANSWER KEY:
Part I: MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. C
2. D
3. B
4. D
5. B

Part II: SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM SKETCH

Answers may vary.

Part III: TOTAL RESISTANCE COMPUTATION

Answers may vary.

Assignment
Directions: In a one whole sheet of yellow paper, research and summarize
Kirchhoff’s Laws:
1. Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
2. Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

Closing
“Electricity is the lifeblood of modern living, and electricians are the guardians of its flow.”

Prepared by:

Shyla Maxill G. Punongbayan

BSIE 2A

Submitted to:
Dr. Eduardo K. De Guzman
Instructor, IEIA 12