Series and parallel circuits help

In summary, the problem involves finding the current in a 20-ohm resistor and the potential difference between two points in a circuit with a battery in parallel with resistors. The solution involves rearranging the circuit and applying familiar concepts.
  • #1
nothingsus
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0

Homework Statement



In the circuit shown, find the current in the 20-ohm resistor and the potential difference between points X and Y.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I've never really ran into a problem where the battery is in the parallel branches with resistors. The voltage drop of the parallel branch surely can't be 25V otherwise there would no voltage drop over the other resistors which are in series.

I am quite lost with this question. Could someone please explain in full how they got their answer?

Thanks.
 

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  • #2
Rearrange/redraw the circuit so that it looks more familiar. eg with the battery on the left with +ve at the top...
 

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1. What is the difference between series and parallel circuits?

In a series circuit, all components are connected in a single loop, meaning that the current flows through one component before moving on to the next. In a parallel circuit, the components are connected in multiple branches, allowing the current to flow through each component simultaneously.

2. How do series and parallel circuits affect the total resistance?

In a series circuit, the resistance of each component is added together to determine the total resistance. In a parallel circuit, the total resistance is lower than the resistance of any individual component, as the current has multiple paths to flow through.

3. How do series and parallel circuits affect the total voltage?

In a series circuit, the total voltage is divided among the components, meaning that each component receives only a portion of the total voltage. In a parallel circuit, each component receives the full voltage, as the voltage remains the same across each branch.

4. What happens to the current in a series and parallel circuit?

In a series circuit, the current remains the same throughout the circuit, as there is only one path for the current to flow through. In a parallel circuit, the current is divided among the branches, with the total current being equal to the sum of the current in each branch.

5. How do you calculate the total resistance in a series and parallel circuit?

In a series circuit, the total resistance is calculated by adding the individual resistances together. In a parallel circuit, the reciprocal of the total resistance is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of each component's resistance. This can be written as 1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3...

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