
Chapter 20
Resistors in Series and Parallel
In Chapter 18, we computed the resistance of a uniform segment of conductor [relating its
current response to an applied EMF]. It was also shown that the resistance depends neither
on the magnitude or orientation of the applied EMF, nor on the current response. Instead,
it is determined by the resistivity of the material and the geometry of the conductor. In
this chapter, we shall study how resistances combine.
In light of our previous work with combinations of capacitors, we are inspired to ask:
Q: What arrangements of two resistors are possible?
A: Two resistors may be combined in series or in parallel.