Resistors in Parallel – Why the Same Potential Drop ? (Electric Circuits, Physics)

Two resistors in parallel within an electric circuit will have the same electric potential / voltage drop across them. Why is that so? While answering this question, I discuss some of the basics of electric circuits, like the meaning of an emf and a potential drop, as well as introducing the 2nd law of Kirchhoff (AKA the loop law). This allows us to explore the idea of conservation of energy in an electric circuit.

0:00 – Why resistors in parallel have the same voltage drop (Introduction)

0:33 – Answering why resistors in parallel have the same voltage by considering the electric potential at all points of the circuit and approximating cables as equipotentials (thinking like an electronician).

3:00 – Introduction to the 2nd law of Kirchhoff (loop law) which is the principle of conservation of energy applied to electric circuits. Illustration with a circuits containing two resistors in series.

5:28 – Answering why resistors in parallel have the same voltage by applying the 2nd law of Kirchhoff to two resistors in parallel (thinking like an electrician).

7:10 – Conclusion and card links to support videos: What is an electric Potential: https://youtu.be/j3GrOKre__0 What is an electric charge: https://youtu.be/8VN8MDn4CFA

For a deeper dive into the basics of electricity (charge, forces and field), here is a fantastic course on the subject: https://www.udemy.com/course/electricity-the-basics/?referralCode=640E55D087C7FDBE5110 (this course does not discuss electric circuits)

This video is produced and presented by Edouard Reny, Ph.D. in solid state chemistry and private tutor in Physical Sciences.

For access to great resources that will help you with your studies of high school Physics, visit and subscribe to the "Physics Made Easy" website: https://www.physics-made-easy.com/

Edouard provides one-on-one private tuition in Physics (face to face or by Skype). If you wish to contact him, visit his website: https://www.physics-tutor.nl/

Footage credit (Space background at end of video): Traverse galaxy, F. Summers, G. Bacon (STScI). Simulation: C Hummels, P. Hopkins (CalTech) and A. Wetzel (UC Davis) ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex7kgqhBbvc