PARALLEL RESISTIVE
Discussion of Theory
The behavior of electrical circuits is governed by a wide range of theories and concepts,
making the discipline of electrical engineering broad and complex. One such principle is the
concept of parallel circuits, an essential feature of circuit theory with several applications across
the engineering spectrum.
Parallel circuits are characterized by their unique configuration where components are
connected across each other, forming multiple paths for the current to flow. This configuration
results in several distinctive properties that set parallel circuits apart from their series
counterparts. In addition, when two or more components are connected "side-by-side," or
input-to-input and output-to-output, a parallel circuit is created.
Moreover, home and electrical gadget functionality would be significantly affected in the
absence of parallel circuits. Regardless of the state of other appliances, parallel circuits are
what keep homes lit and ensure that different appliances run continuously. Parallel circuits are
the most common kind of circuits found in residential electrical wiring and offer several benefits
over other kinds.
Current can only flow into one path if one resistor is connected to a power source.More
current can flow when two current channels are formed and a second resistor is connected in
parallel with the first. More current flows when more parallel resistors are added since each one
adds a path of its own. It is evident that when current flows more, the power source is given less
overall resistance, which serves to restrict current flow. This indicates that the overall resistance
of all parallel resistors needs to be less than the resistance of each resistor taken into
consideration separately. In reality, the total resistance is lower than the circuit's lowest value
resistor.
Additionally, Conductance (G), which is expressed in siemens (S) or mhos, is the
measure of a resistor's capacity to conduct current. Resistance has an inverse or reciprocal
relationship with conductance. In mathematics, this is represented as: Conductance = 1/R.
Meanwhile, the addition of more resistors in parallel results in the creation of more conduction
paths and this can be expressed as: Total Conductance = 1/Rr = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/3 +...
Given that total resistance is equal to the reciprocal of total conductance, the parallel
resistor equation is: Rtotal = 1/ 1/R1 +1/R2 + 1/R3 + …
Moving on, the purpose of electrical circuits is to supply electricity for an appliance, tool,
or other type of electrical device. These devices are commonly referred to as loads. For a load
to function, electricity must travel the entire distance from the source to the load and back. An
electrical path is known as a circuit.
With this being said, in a parallel circuit, the remaining components function normally
even if one of them goes inactive. This explains why a home or building's writing structure
frequently uses parallel circuits. If someone were to turn off a conveyor belt in a real-world
factory setting, for instance, it wouldn't affect the operation of any other machinery there (unless,
of course, it was intended that way.)
In addition to their resilience, parallel circuits are known for their ability to maintain
functionality even if a section fails. They also guarantee that every component has a constant
voltage. Take a string of lights as an example. Because there is an equal distribution of voltage
across all of the parallel elements in the string, every bulb will have a consistent brightness.
Parallel circuits are special because of this constant voltage. By contrast, adding or removing
components from a series circuit can cause a voltage drop that could potentially cause harm.
Thus, parallel circuits' fundamental qualities lead to their widespread application and
dependability.
Lastly, parallel circuits are essential for many daily applications, but they are also
essential for many industrial operations, such as the production of automobiles. Even in the face
of disturbances, complex systems can function flawlessly because of their innate safety and
dependability. Parallel circuits are the most dependable and safe system available. Even while
series circuits are less likely to overheat and are better suited for applications involving
combustible and flammable materials, parallel circuits excel in larger-scale applications where
accuracy and a zero tolerance for error are critical.
References
Common Applications of Parallel Circuits | GBC Electronics Technician. (2022, May 26).
Electronics Technician Training. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from
https://www.etcourse.com/news-blog/common-applications-parallel-circuits
Field, H. L., & Solie, J. B. (2007, January). Series and Parallel Circuits. ResearchGate.
Retrieved March 6, 2024, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251094905_Series_and_Parallel_Circuits
Parallel circuit | Definition & Facts. (2024, February 22). Britannica. Retrieved March 6, 2024,
from https://www.britannica.com/technology/parallel-circuit
