Circuit Lab (Ohm's Law)
Wire two resistors in series or parallel and see voltage, current and power.
Total resistance0 Ω
Total current0 A
Power0 W
R1: V / I–
R2: V / I–
What you can learn
- Ohm's law: V = I × R.
- In series the current is the same everywhere and resistances add: R = R1 + R2.
- In parallel the voltage is the same across each branch and 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between series and parallel circuits?
In a series circuit there is one path, so the same current flows through every part. In a parallel circuit the current splits between branches, and each branch sees the full battery voltage.
Why does total resistance go down in parallel?
Each extra branch gives the current another path, so overall it is easier for charge to flow. The total is always smaller than the smallest branch.