In theory, this is called a parallel connection:
do the resistors really have to be parallel or does it only matter how the wires are connected?
For example, will this function as a parallel connection in reality ?
How much can deviate from the theoretical scheme in practice ?
Thanks.
Parallel, in this context, means electrically in parallel. The physical orientation has nothing to do with it.
How much can deviate from the theoretical scheme in practice ?
The only thing that would affect the value of the resultant parallel resistance is the resistance of the connecting wires.
So this would work as well as the first one
.
Yes. If the connecting wires are the same resistance the two are electrically equivalent.
Electricity "follows wires" no matter how they are bent. If you don't believe me, look at the cord on an electrical appliance.
All you want. Physical orientation has nothing to do with the resistance. The values of the resistors, wires and connections have everything to do with the circuit resistance. You can have series parallel combinations as well. Values will change with temperature etc be aware of that. This response is to help you get started in solving your problem, not solve it for you.
Good Luck & Have Fun!
Gil
Electrical circuits are topological, they are graphs or networks in maths terms.
Having said that at very high frequencies in RF circuits orientation and wire lengths will make a difference, as
Kirchoff's laws completely break down due to transit times, stray capacitance and stray inductance. Below around 1MHz these effects can mostly be ignored.