Question

Two resistors are joined with a battery such that 

a) same current flows in each resistor. 

b) potential difference is small across each resistor. 

c) equivalent resistance is less than either of the two resistors. 

d) equivalent resistance is more than either of the resistors. State how are the resistors connected in each of the above case.

Answer 1

a) Since same current is flowing in each resistor, they are connected in series.

b) Potential difference is same across same resistor that shows they are connected in parallel. 

c) Equivalent resistance is less than the either of the two resistances which shows they are connected in parallel because in parallel connection resistance decreases. 

d) Equivalent resistance is more than the individual resistances which indicate that they are connected in series. Since in series connection resistance increases.