In a series circuit, VT is divided into IR voltage drops proportional to the resistances. Each VR = (R/RT) x VT, for any number of series resistances. The largest series R has the largest voltage drop.
In a parallel circuit, IT is divided into branch currents. Each I is inversely proportional to the branch R. The inverse division of branch currents is given by Formula (7–2) for only two resistances. The smaller branch R has the larger branch current.
For any number of parallel branches, IT is divided into branch currents directly proportional to each conductance G. Each I = (G/GT) x IT.
A series voltage divider is often tapped for a parallel load, as in Fig. 7–6. Then the voltage at the tap is reduced because of the load current.
The design of a loaded voltage divider, as in Fig. 7–7, involves calculating each R. Find the I and potential difference V for each R. Then R = V/I.
