1. What is the Equivalent Resistance Formula?

The equivalent resistance formula for parallel resistors calculates the total resistance of multiple resistors connected in parallel. It's a fundamental concept in electrical engineering and circuit analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the parallel resistance formula:

Where:

• \( R_{eq} \) — Equivalent resistance (Ω)
• \( R_1, R_2, \ldots, R_n \) — Individual resistor values (Ω)

Explanation: The formula calculates the reciprocal of the sum of reciprocals of individual resistances, giving the equivalent resistance of the parallel combination.

3. Importance of Equivalent Resistance Calculation

Details: Calculating equivalent resistance is crucial for circuit design, analyzing electrical networks, and determining total current flow in parallel circuits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter resistor values separated by commas (e.g., "100, 200, 300"). All values must be positive numbers representing resistance in ohms.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if I enter only one resistor value?
A: The equivalent resistance will be equal to that single resistor value, as there's nothing to combine with.

Q2: Why is the equivalent resistance always less than the smallest resistor?
A: In parallel connections, current has multiple paths to flow, reducing the overall resistance below any individual resistor's value.

Q3: Can I mix different units (kΩ, MΩ) in the input?
A: No, all values should be in the same unit (ohms). Convert kΩ to ohms by multiplying by 1000, and MΩ by multiplying by 1,000,000.

Q4: What if I have both series and parallel resistors?
A: You would need to calculate equivalent resistance for parallel groups first, then add series resistors to the total.

Q5: Does this formula work for AC circuits with reactive components?
A: No, this formula is specifically for DC circuits with purely resistive elements. AC circuits with capacitors and inductors require impedance calculations.