Resistors:

Introduction

If the total current into a set of parallel resistors is known, the current through any individual resistor can be determined by the concept of current division. In essence, the total current into the parallel combination is divided among the individual resistors.

For the special case of two parallel resistors shown in the figure below, the individual current through each resistor can be calculated according to the current divider formulae below:

${i_1} = \frac{{{R_2}}}{{{R_1} + {R_2}}} \cdot {i}$ ${i_2} = \frac{{{R_1}}}{{{R_1} + {R_2}}} \cdot {i}$

One application of parallel resistances is to reduce the power dissipated by any individual resistor in a circuit. Power is the product of voltage and current, so the total power applied to the circuit above is:

$P = i \cdot v$

By dividing the total current among several resistors, we also divide the total power dissipation among the resistors. Thus, we can draw a larger amount of power from the source, without exceeding the power limitations of any individual resistor. This project illustrates the overall process.

Before you begin, you should:
• Understand how to accurately measure current and voltage using a DMM or other instruments.
• Be able to create a circuit from only a schematic.
• Have a thorough understanding of parallel circuits, current, and power.

Inventory:

Qty Description Typical Image Schematic Symbol Breadboard Image
2 1kΩ Resistor
1 470Ω Resistor
1 Digital Multimeter (DMM)

Step 1: Calculating Power Absorbed by the Resistors

A. Circuit 1

1. Implement the circuit shown schematically to the right. Use V+ to apply the 5V source.

2. Measure the voltage VOUT and the current I.

3. Calculate the power absorbed by the resistor. Also determine the power delivered by the source. (Hint: conservation of power says that the power delivered by the source is the same as the power absorbed by the resistor.)

B. Circuit 2

1. Implement the circuit shown schematically to the right. Use V+ to apply the 5V source.

2. Measure the voltage VOUT and the currents I1 and I2.

3. Calculate the power absorbed by each resistor. Also determine the power delivered by the source. (Hint: conservation of power says that the power delivered by the source is the same as the power absorbed by both resistors.)

Step 2: Compare Power Dissipation in Both Circuits

1. Compare the power delivered by the source for the circuits in Step 1 Parts A and B.

2. Compare the power absorbed by the resistor in Part A to the power absorbed by the resistors in Part B.

3. What is the effect using two resistors in parallel to draw approximately the same power from a source?