In the circuits shown below, which one of the combination doesn't represent parallel combination of resistors.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4)
Two resistors are in parallel when each is connected between the same two points, so that both have the same potential difference across them.
In Options (1), (2) and (3), \( R_1 \) and \( R_2 \) are drawn differently, but in each circuit both resistors join the same two nodes of the cell’s circuit: trace the connecting wires and each resistor runs from the positive side to the negative side of the cell. They are parallel combinations.
In Option (4) there is no second resistor joined across the same two points, so the circuit does not show a parallel combination of resistors.