Basic DC Theory
BASIC DC CIRCUIT CALCULATIONS
BASIC DC CIRCUIT CALCULATIONS
Each type of DC circuit contains certain characteristics that determine the way
its voltage and current behave. To begin analysis of the voltages and currents at
each part of a circuit, an understanding of these characteristics is necessary.
EO 1.7
Given a circuit, CALCULATE total resistance for a
series or parallel circuit.
EO 1.8
DESCRIBE what is meant by the term "voltage
divider."
EO 1.9
DESCRIBE what is meant by the term "current
division."
Series Resistance
The total resistance in a series circuit is equal to the sum of all the parts of that circuit, as shown
in equation (2-3).
RT = R1 + R2 + R3 ... etc.
(2-3)
where
RT
=
resistance total
R1, R2, and R3
=
resistance in series
Example:
A series circuit has a 60W, a 100W, and a 150W resistor in series (Figure 18).
What is the total resistance of the circuit?
Solution:
RT
=
R1 + R2 + R3
=
60 + 100 + 150
=
310 W
Rev. 0
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