Previous tutorials have shown the properties and characteristics of simple resistor-only and inductor-only AC circuits. We will now investigate the effects of combining the two components together.

A parallel circuit is way of connecting components on separate branches, so the current can take different routes around the circuit. The current is different in different parts of a parallel circuit.

Last month's column covered the behavior of electrical components connected in series and demonstrated that when a voltage is applied across a series circuit, the current through each component is the ...