Series and Parallel Circuits Resistance Total Mnemonic

A series circuit of resistances, like a light bulb, are connected in line with each other.

The total resistance is easy to remember.

R_{Total}=R_1+R_2

Total Resistance = Resistance 1 + Resistance 2

But what about when they are parallel?

Use the mnemonic or aid below to remind you that you are dealing with something parallel, similar to the parallel bars in gymnastics.

Parallel = Parallel Bars

Which looks like this from the side:

But think of the man being a number 1 instead.

Use this image to put parallel bars in the formula for resistance. Instead of

R_{Total}=R_1+R_2

Now put them as parallel resistance and add parallel bars.

Summary

1/ Resistance in series

\text{Total Resistance in series}\text{ }=R_1+R_2

2/ Resistance in parallel

\frac{1}{\text{Total Resistance in Parallel}}=\frac{1}{R_1}+\frac{1}{R_2}