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

14292 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the acceleration if a force of 500N is exerted on a mass of 20kg


What is a Sankey diagram and how do we use it?


What does the half life of radioactive substance mean?


What is the difference between current and voltage?


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