A question about voltage between two points in a circuit

In summary, the voltage between points A,B is the same as the voltage between points C,D and E,F. This is because the conductive wires joining these points have zero or negligible resistance, resulting in no significant voltage drop along them. While there may be slight differences in voltage if measured with a sensitive voltmeter, these differences are negligible for the purposes of the question.
  • #1
diredragon
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Homework Statement


Question.JPG

This is a simple circuit diagram from the class were we derived the equations for the equivalent resistance of parallel resistor connection. I have a quick question about this though..
Is the voltage between points ##A,B## the same as voltage between points ##C,D## and ##E,F##?

Homework Equations


3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B]
Can someone convince me that they are in fact the same voltages cause even though we said they were i keep imagining that the current which divides at point ##C## and goes through the resistor ##R_1## makes a different voltage than the original and the same goes for the other part. What should i be realizing?
 
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  • #2
diredragon said:
Is the voltage between points ##A,B## the same as voltage between points ##C,D## and ##E,F##?
These potential differences are all equal. The basis for saying this is that the conductive "wire" joining points A, C and E is ideal or approximately ideal, i.e., it has zero Ohms resistance. So regardless of how much current that wire carries, there is no significant voltage drop along it. The same applies to the conductor joining B, D and F.
 
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  • #3
For the purposes of the question the voltages are all the same but if you had a sensitive enough voltmeter, a 4 point probe to be exact, you would see slight differences in the voltages all up and down the wires but the changes would be in the microvolt or maybe millivolt difference because although for the purposes of the question the wire is considered zero ohms, nothing short of a superconductor has in fact zero ohms. It might be 10 milliohms or some such but because the resistance is NOT exactly zero there will be voltage differences along the wires. But not enough to change the answer to the question.,
 

1. What is voltage and how is it measured?

Voltage is the measure of the electric potential difference between two points in a circuit. It is measured in volts (V) using a voltmeter.

2. What is the significance of voltage in a circuit?

Voltage is a crucial aspect of a circuit as it determines the flow of electric current. It is responsible for driving the flow of electrons through the circuit components.

3. How does voltage affect the behavior of circuit components?

Voltage affects the behavior of circuit components as it determines the rate of flow of electrons through them. Components with low resistance will allow a higher flow of current when exposed to higher voltage.

4. What is the relationship between voltage and current in a circuit?

According to Ohm's Law, the relationship between voltage and current is directly proportional. This means that as voltage increases, the current also increases, and vice versa.

5. How can the voltage between two points in a circuit be changed?

The voltage between two points in a circuit can be changed by altering the resistance or the current flow in the circuit. This can be achieved by adding or removing components, adjusting the resistance of existing components, or changing the power source.

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