Final answer:
In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances, measured in ohms (Ω). In a parallel circuit, the reciprocal of the total resistance is the sum of the reciprocals of each resistor's resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Resistance in a series circuit is calculated by simply adding up the individual resistances of each component within the circuit. The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances: Rs = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ + .... Each component in a series circuit has the same amount of current flowing through it, but the voltage drop across each resistor may vary. Conversely, in a parallel circuit, the total resistance is calculated differently, using the formula 1/Rp = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃ + .... In this configuration, each resistor has the same voltage applied to it while the current divides among the resistors. We measure resistance in ohms (symbol: Ω). A voltmeter, which measures potential difference, should be connected in parallel to the component being measured.