Resistors in series and parallel

The same value resistors

For the same value resistors, I recommend 10-ohm ones.

1. Connect resistors in series as shown in the diagram in the lab report.

What are the expected total resistance values for two and three resistors in series?

2. Connect the same value resistors in parallel.

What are the expected total resistance values for two and three resistors in parallel?

3. Connect the same value resistors in series/parallel combo as shown in the diagram (see the pdf below)

What is the expected total resistance value for two resistors in parallel combined with another one in series?

Resistors of different values

1. Connect three resistors of the same magnitude (but different values) in series.

In the pictures below the 330 ohm, 100 ohm, and 1,000 ohm resistors were used.

2. Resistors of different values in parallel.

There are two resistors in parallel: 330 ohm and 100 ohm. The total resistance is:

1/R = 1/330 + 1/100 = 430/33000, and R = 33000/430 = 77 ohm (1% difference)

3. Resistors of different values in series/parallel.

The values of resistors in the picture above are: 1,000 ohm, 330 ohm, and 100 ohm respectively. The total resistance of the loop is the same as calculated above (notice the accurate reading shown in the second picture).

The loop is in series with the first resistor:

R = 1,000 + 77 = 1077 ohm

Notice that the reading in the 3rd picture shows a little bit lower resistance (0.4% difference).