Resistors in series and parallel

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a circuit involving resistors in both parallel and series configurations, specifically focusing on the implications of a resistor breaking within the circuit. Participants are exploring the effects on current and power dissipation when a 3 ohm resistor fails in a setup that includes a 6 ohm resistor in parallel and a 4 ohm resistor in series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the impact of the 3 ohm resistor breaking on the overall circuit behavior, particularly regarding current changes in the remaining resistors and the battery. There is also discussion about visualizing the circuit to better understand the flow of current.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided differing opinions on the effects of the resistor failure, with suggestions to visualize the circuit for clarity. There is an ongoing exploration of how the current distribution changes when one of the resistors is removed from the circuit.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the assumption that the circuit is powered by a battery, and there is a focus on the behavior of current in response to changes in the circuit configuration. The discussion reflects a variety of interpretations regarding the flow of current and the resulting effects on power dissipation.

thisisfudd
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A 3 ohm resistor is connected in parallel with a 6 ohm resistor. This pair is then connected in series with a 4 ohm resistor. These resistors are connected to a battery. What will happen if the 3 ohm resistor breaks?

I think that the power dissipated in the circuit will increase.

The other choices are that the current in the 4 ohm resistor will drop to 0, that the current in the 6 ohm resistor will increase and that the current provided by the battery will not change.

I think I am right because the 4 ohm is connected to two parallels, it will therefore not change. Is this reasonable?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
both answers are wrong... and not reasonable...
draw the graph first, and "see" what's going on...
imagine current is an incompressible fliud in water pipe
 
OK, so the current provided by the battery will change: it will decrease. I think the current in the 6 ohm resistor might increase because it is no longer connected in parallel to anything else. Is this correct?
 
I am thinking the same thing too
because current does not split into two ways any longer after it left the 4 ohms resistor, so the current would increase
 

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