Solving Electric Circuit: Magnitude & Direction of Resistor 1 & 2

In summary, an electric circuit is a closed loop that allows electricity to flow and is made up of various components connected by conductive wires. To find the magnitude of resistors in a circuit, Ohm's Law can be used. The direction of current flow in a circuit is from the positive to negative terminal, but in reality, electrons flow in the opposite direction. The overall resistance of a circuit is affected by the magnitude of individual resistors. In a circuit with multiple branches, Kirchhoff's Current Law can be used to determine the direction of current flow.
  • #1
compute_a_nerd
14
0
Hello everyone. This problem has me stumped.
The questioin asks,
" find the magnitude (current) and direction of both resistor 1 and resistor2"
(in the picture the top resistor is resistor 1)
I know [tex] V=IR [/tex], but I am stumped at how the different potentials interact with eachorther at resistor 2? Could someone please give me some guidance as to starting this?
Thanks so much
Chris
 

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  • #2
The picture isn't working, can you describe the circuit?
Are the resistors in series or parallel.
What is the source of EMF and how is it connected ( Series or parallel ).
 
  • #3


Hi Chris,

Solving electric circuits can be a bit tricky, but with the right approach, it can become easier. In this case, you can start by analyzing the circuit and identifying the different elements and their connections.

Firstly, you can use Kirchhoff's voltage law (KVL) to determine the voltage across each resistor. KVL states that the sum of the voltage drops in a closed loop must equal the sum of the voltage sources in that loop. In this circuit, the voltage source is the battery, and the voltage drops are across the two resistors.

Next, you can use Ohm's law (V=IR) to calculate the current flowing through each resistor. Remember that the current is the same at any point in a series circuit, so the current through resistor 1 will be equal to the current through resistor 2.

To determine the direction of the current, you can use the convention that current flows from the positive terminal of the battery to the negative terminal. You can then follow the direction of the current through the circuit and determine the direction of current through each resistor.

I hope this helps you get started on solving the problem. Remember to always use the correct equations and follow the current flow direction convention to get accurate results. Good luck!
 

1. What is an electric circuit?

An electric circuit is a closed loop through which electricity can flow. It is made up of various components, such as resistors, capacitors, and batteries, connected by conductive wires.

2. How do you find the magnitude of resistor 1 and 2 in an electric circuit?

To find the magnitude of resistor 1 and 2 in an electric circuit, you can use Ohm's Law: V=IR. V represents voltage, I represents current, and R represents resistance. By measuring the voltage and current across each resistor, you can calculate the resistance and therefore determine the magnitude.

3. What is the direction of current flow in an electric circuit?

The direction of current flow in an electric circuit is from the positive terminal of the power source to the negative terminal. This is known as conventional current flow. However, in reality, electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, which is known as electron flow.

4. How does the magnitude of resistor 1 and 2 affect the overall resistance of the circuit?

The overall resistance of a circuit is determined by the sum of all individual resistances. Therefore, the magnitude of resistor 1 and 2 will affect the overall resistance. The larger the resistance of each individual resistor, the greater the overall resistance of the circuit will be.

5. How do you calculate the direction of current in a circuit with multiple branches?

In a circuit with multiple branches, the direction of current can be determined using Kirchhoff's Current Law. This law states that the sum of all currents entering a junction in a circuit must equal the sum of all currents leaving that junction. By applying this law to each junction in the circuit, you can determine the direction of current flow.

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