There is no division of voltage among the appliances when connected in parallel. The potential difference across each appliance is equal to the supplied voltage.
The total effective resistance of the circuit can be reduced by connecting electrical appliances in parallel.

There are three resistors of resistances 2 Ω, 3 Ω, and 6 Ω respectively.

(a) The following circuit diagram shows the connection of the three resistors.


Here, 6 Ω and 3 Ω resistors are connected in parallel.
Therefore, their equivalent resistance will be given by


This equivalent resistor of resistance 2 Ω is connected to a 2 Ω resistor in series.
Therefore, the equivalent resistance of the circuit = 2 Ω + 2 Ω = 4 Ω
Hence the total resistance of the circuit is 4 Ω.

(b) The following circuit diagram shows the connection of the three resistors.


All the resistors are connected in series. Therefore, their equivalent resistance will be given as


Therefore, the total resistance of the circuit is 1 Ω.

There are four coils of resistances 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 12 Ω and 24 Ω respectively.

(a) If these coils are connected in series, then the equivalent resistance will be the highest, given by the sum 4 + 8 + 12 + 24 = 48 Ω

(b) If these coils are connected in parallel, then the equivalent resistance will be the lowest, given by



Therefore, 2 Ω is the lowest total resistance.

The heating element of the heater is made up of alloy which has very high resistance so when current flows through the heating element, it becomes too hot and glows red. But the resistance of cord which is usually of copper or aluminium is very law so it does not glow.

The amount of heat (H) produced is given by the Joule's law of heating as

Where,

Voltage, V = 50 V

Time, t = 1 h = 1 � 60 � 60 s

Amount of current,




Therefore, the heat generated is .4.8 � 10⁶  J