In the resistance formula, what does RT represent?

Study for the Con Edison Basic Electric Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In the resistance formula, what does RT represent?

Explanation:
RT represents the total, or equivalent, resistance of the whole circuit—the resistance the voltage source “sees” when all parts are considered together. This is what you use in Ohm’s law for the whole circuit: I = V / RT. RT is the combined resistance of all paths, so in series it’s simply the sum of each resistor, and in parallel it’s found from 1/RT = sum(1/Ri). It’s not the resistance of a single component, and it’s not the current or the voltage drop.

RT represents the total, or equivalent, resistance of the whole circuit—the resistance the voltage source “sees” when all parts are considered together. This is what you use in Ohm’s law for the whole circuit: I = V / RT. RT is the combined resistance of all paths, so in series it’s simply the sum of each resistor, and in parallel it’s found from 1/RT = sum(1/Ri). It’s not the resistance of a single component, and it’s not the current or the voltage drop.

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