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

13421 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

If an object of mass 6kg was dropped from a height 35m (initially at rest), how long would it take to reach the ground under free fall?


Two balls of identical size and shape are dropped from the same height. One ball has a mass of 50kg and the other has a mass of only 10kg. Why do they reach the ground at the same time?


Why does a balloon 'stick' to a wall when one has rubbed it on one's head?


There is an oil tank that has a rectangular base of dimensions 2.4 m by 1.5 m. The tank is filled with oil of density 850 kg / m3 to a depth of 1.5 m. What is the mass of the oil?


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