When resistors are connected in parallel, their equivalent resistance (total resistance) is calculated differently compared to when they are connected in series. In a parallel combination of resistors, the reciprocal of the equivalent resistance is the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances. This can be expressed mathematically as follows:
1 / Req = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2 + 1 / R3 + ...
Where:
Req is the equivalent resistance of the parallel combination.
R1, R2, R3, ... are the individual resistances.
This formula can be extended to any number of resistors connected in parallel.
Ohm's Law is still applicable to the individual resistors within the parallel combination. Ohm's Law states that the current passing through a resistor is directly proportional to the voltage across it and inversely proportional to its resistance. Mathematically, Ohm's Law can be expressed as:
I = V / R
Where:
I is the current flowing through the resistor.
V is the voltage across the resistor.
R is the resistance of the resistor.
When dealing with a parallel combination of resistors, the voltage across each resistor is the same, since they are connected across the same two points in the circuit. However, the current through each resistor can be different, depending on the resistance of that resistor.
In summary, when resistors are connected in parallel, their equivalent resistance is calculated using the reciprocal formula mentioned above, and Ohm's Law can still be applied to each individual resistor to determine the current flowing through them based on the voltage across them and their resistance.