Interactive Resistors Simulation
Build resistor networks and watch the meters update as you go. Because the current and voltage readings are live, you can test the series and parallel rules yourself rather than taking them on trust.
How to use this simulation
- Add resistors in series or in parallel
- Set each resistance value
- Read the current and voltage at any point in the network
What to look for
- Current is identical at every point in a series chain
- Potential difference is identical across every parallel branch
- Two equal resistors in parallel give exactly half the resistance of one
The physics behind it
Resistors in series carry the same current and their resistances add: R = R₁ + R₂ + … Resistors in parallel share the same potential difference and their reciprocals add: 1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + … Combined with Ohm's law V = IR, these two rules resolve almost every DC network you will meet at this level.