Electrical Resistor Simulator: GCSE, IGCSE & A Level: interactive practice

 

The following simulator helps you understand and master the calculations involving the resistors, combined both in parallel and series, in circuits.

Resistors in Series

When resistors are connected in series:

• The current through them is the same
• Total resistance is the sum of individual resistance of each
• The total voltage, v, splits up into smaller voltages

RT =  R1 + R2

Resistors in Parallel 

When resistors are connected in parallel:

• The total voltage across them is the same
• Total resistance is smaller than the largest resistance of each individual resistor
• The total current, I, splits up into smaller currents

1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2

With the following interactive simulator, you can practise the calculations involving resistors, connected in series and parallel - and combinations too.

Just move the sliders, manually calculate the total resistance and then click the checkbox to find the correct answer. It's educational and fun too!