1. Circuit elements are said to be in parallel if they are connected so that the current divides between them and later reunites (see diagram).
For n resistors in parallel the total resistance, R, is given by:
where r1, r2, …rn are the values of the individual resistors.
For n capacitors in parallel the total capacitance, C, is given by:
where c1, c2, …cn are the individual capacitances. The capacitors thus behave collectively as a large capacitor having the total plate area of the component capacitors.
Machines, transformers, and cells are said to be in parallel when terminals of the same polarity are connected together. Several cells connected together in parallel have a lower total internal resistance than a single cell and can therefore supply a larger maximum current. See also series; shunt.
2. (in computing) Involving the simultaneous transfer or processing of the individual parts of a whole.