Resistors in Parallel

Definition

When resistors are connected in parallel, they share the same voltage across them but have different currents flowing through them.

Analogy

Imagine a group of friends going to a movie theater. Each friend has their own popcorn bucket (resistor) and they all share the same soda (voltage). Each friend can eat popcorn at their own pace (current), independent of what the others are doing.

Related terms

Equivalent Resistance: The combined resistance of multiple resistors connected in parallel.

Kirchhoff's Current Law: States that the sum of currents entering a junction is equal to the sum of currents leaving that junction.

Power Dissipation: The rate at which energy is converted from electrical energy to other forms, such as heat, in a resistor.