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GCSE Physics · key term
The resistance of one imaginary resistor that would have the same overall effect as a combination of resistors; it is also called net or total resistance.
Used by AQA and OCR
Paper 1
One resistor that could replace a combination of resistors while producing the same total resistance.
Revise: Series and parallel circuitsThis gives a reliable order for series problems: find the equivalent resistance, calculate the one circuit current, and then use that current to find the potential difference across each component.
Specification P3.2m · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
The single resistance that would have the same overall effect on the current as a combination of resistors.
Paper 1, Paper 2
Revise: Resistance in Series and ParallelA circuit can contain several resistors, but it is often helpful to replace them in our thinking with one imaginary resistor that would have the same overall effect. Its resistance is the equivalent resistance, also called the net or total resistance.
Do not say that adding a parallel resistor increases resistance because there are more resistors. It adds another path, so the equivalent resistance decreases.
In a qualitative explanation, link resistance to current: at the same supply potential difference, a larger total current means a smaller equivalent resistance.
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