Question regarding resistors and potentiometer

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a circuit problem involving resistors and a potentiometer, specifically focusing on voltage measurements and resistance calculations in a series circuit with a battery, rheostat, and additional resistors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the configuration of the circuit, including the arrangement of resistors and the impact of the voltmeter's resistance on measurements. There are attempts to calculate voltage drops and total resistances, with some questioning the assumptions made about the circuit setup.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculation of voltage drops and the use of parallel resistance concepts. Participants are exploring different interpretations of the circuit's behavior and the implications of the measurements taken.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of an attachment containing the original question and solution, which may provide additional context. Participants express a sense of urgency in seeking help, indicating that the problem may be part of a homework assignment.

Sanosuke Sagara
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I have spend many hours trying to solve this question but still can't figure out the answer.I hope that somebody will help me with this question.Thanks for anybody that spend some time on this question.


I have my question and solution in the attachment followed.
 

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Physics news on Phys.org
Please , I really need somebody to help me figure out this question and I thanks for anybody that spend some time on this question.
 
Sanosuke

consider the 4 volt battery, the 1 ohm rheostat and the 2 ohm wire .

We are measuring the midpoint of the wire so we can assume R to be approx. 1 ohm x2

So far we have the 4 volt battery and a 2ohm resistor and a 1 ohm resistor all in series . ( add the individual resistances )

We are now measuring the pd across the 1 ohm resistor .
But the voltmeter has a series resistance of 20 ohm .
So calculate the total parallel resistance of the 20 ohm and 1 ohm resistance...
Now we just find the voltage drop across the combined resistance

The circuit is a potential divider so voltage drop is :

R / TOTAL resistance X V

(20/21) / (62/21) X 4 volts

= 1.29 volts
 
Thanks for your help, Roger.With your help,I finally know how and why you used this way to solve this question.Thanks !
 

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