Rinnankytkentöjä

Rinnankytkentöjä refers to parallel connections in electrical circuits. In a parallel circuit, multiple components are connected across the same two points, meaning the voltage across each component is the same. This is in contrast to a series circuit, where components are connected end-to-end, and the current is the same through each component.

When components are connected in parallel, the total current flowing into the parallel combination splits among the branches. The sum of the currents in each branch equals the total current. This property is governed by Kirchhoff's Current Law. The equivalent resistance of a parallel circuit is always less than the smallest individual resistance. This is because each new branch provides an additional path for current to flow, thus reducing the overall opposition to the flow of electricity.

Common applications of parallel connections include household wiring, where multiple appliances can be plugged into different outlets and receive the same mains voltage, and in battery packs, where multiple batteries are connected in parallel to increase the total capacity (ampere-hours) while maintaining the same voltage. If one component in a parallel circuit fails (e.g., a light bulb burns out), the other components will continue to function because the circuit remains complete for them. This is a key advantage over series circuits, where a single break would interrupt the entire circuit.