Introducing Resistors in Series and Parallel

Most circuits have more than one component, called a resistor that limits the flow of charge in the circuit. A measure of this limit on charge flow is called resistance. The simplest combinations of resistors are the series and parallel connections illustrated in this figure. The total resistance of a combination of resistors depends on both their individual values and how they are connected.

(a) A series connection of resistors. (b) A parallel connection of resistors.