Derive the expression for the Equivalent Resistance of three resistors connected in Parallel.

Answer:

1. When Resistors are connected in Parallel, they gets same amount of Potential Difference.

2. We know that, in a Parallel Combination, the total current flowing in the circuit is equal to the sum of the currents flowing accross each resistor.

   Therefore, I = I1 + I2 + I3 .........(Eq. 1)

3. The Potential Difference(V) remains constant accross all the resistors.

4. Connect the circuit as shown in the figure.

5. The current(I) gets divided into 3 parts I1,I2,I3 accross R1,R2,R3 respectively.

6. Let the equivalent resistance provided by all the three resistors be Req.

7. According to the ohm's law, 

   Req = V/I

   I = V/Req

8. The currents I1,I2 and I3 accross R1,R2 and R3 are given by I1=V/R1, I2=V/R2, I3=V/R3.

   From Eq. 1,

   I   = I1 + I2 + I3

   V/Req     = V/R1 + V/R2 + V/R3

   V(1/Req) = V(1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3)

   1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3

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