Linear Circuits 1 - 08 - Resistor Networks

Combine groups of resistors into series and parallel networks to simplify circuit analysis. Review Ohm's law, delta v, current, and power with Kirkos current and Kirkos voltage laws.

Proceed slowly through resistor network problems, take one step at a time, and focus on fundamentals to avoid the most common mistakes engineers face.

Explore resistors in series, where the same current flows through all components. Sum R1, R2, and R3 for the equivalent resistance, then apply Ohm's law for current and voltage drop.

Explore a 12-volt circuit with seven resistors in series, showing that the total resistance equals the sum, the largest resistor dominates, and current follows Ohm's law.

Learn how to combine resistors in parallel using Kirchhoff's current law and Ohm's law, compute the parallel equivalent resistance, and avoid two-resistor formulas for three or more.

Three resistors in parallel with a five-volt source yield an equivalent resistance; the smallest resistor dominates the current, and the parallel resistance is smaller than any individual resistor.

Learn a three-step method to simplify large resistor networks by identifying series resistors, then parallel resistors, and redrawing the circuit after each step to find the equivalent resistance and Vx.

Apply the three-step process to simplify the resistor network: find series resistors, redraw, then combine parallel resistors to obtain an equivalent resistance of 31 ohms.

Apply the three-step process to find equivalent resistance by identifying parallel and series groups and redraw circuit; in this example, 3.6 ohms in parallel with 5 ohms yields 8.6 ohms.

Use a simple three-step process to simplify circuits with new equations for equivalent series and parallel resistors, which always works when applied slowly and patiently.