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

14307 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A pendulum has a frequency of 0.80 Hz, calculate the periodic time of the pendulum.


A student is investigating how the pressure exerted by a gas varied with the volume of the gas. The initial pressure was 1.6x10^5 Pa, with the volume being 9.0cm^3. Calculate the volume of the gas when the pressure was 1.8x10^5 Pa


A torch uses 15watts of energy. It uses two 1.5volt batteries connected in series. What is the resistance in the circuit of the torch?


Coal is a non-renewable energy resource. Name two other non-renewable energy resources.


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