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

14635 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Is momentum a vector or a scalar quantity?


Explanation of alpha scattering experiment


At what angle does total internal reflection occur?


A boy kicks a ball and it is accelerated uniformly from rest so that after 10 seconds it has achieved a speed of 15m/s. Find the ball's acceleration.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning