Question about basic Circuit, parallel and series connect

In summary, a parallel circuit has multiple paths for current to flow through while a series circuit has only one. The voltage is the same across each branch in a parallel circuit but divided among components in a series circuit. Total resistance in a series circuit is calculated by adding individual resistances. In a parallel circuit, each light bulb has its own path and brightness remains constant. A combination of parallel and series circuits is possible in a complex circuit. In a parallel circuit, the total current is the sum of individual branch currents.
  • #1
kougou
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Homework Statement


if I have something looks like the photo attach, could I say that
R2 and R4 are in series?

It asks to compute the current through the R2 branch, but I am curious about these two resistors are in series or not.



Homework Equations


definition of series and parallel connect.
Series: connecting end to end
Parallel: connecting to two same node


The Attempt at a Solution



No, they are not at all in parallel
 

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  • #2
R2 and R4 are not in series and they are not parallel.
 

Related to Question about basic Circuit, parallel and series connect

1. What is the difference between a parallel and series circuit?

A parallel circuit has multiple paths for current to flow through, while a series circuit has only one path. In a parallel circuit, the voltage is the same across each branch, while in a series circuit, the voltage is divided among the components.

2. How do you calculate total resistance in a series circuit?

In a series circuit, you can calculate the total resistance by adding the individual resistances together. This is because the current has to flow through each component in sequence, increasing the overall resistance.

3. How does a parallel circuit affect the brightness of light bulbs?

In a parallel circuit, each light bulb has its own path for current to flow through. This means that the brightness of each bulb will remain the same, regardless of how many other bulbs are connected.

4. Can you have a combination of parallel and series circuits in one circuit?

Yes, it is possible to have a combination of parallel and series circuits in one larger circuit. This is known as a complex circuit.

5. How do you determine the total current in a parallel circuit?

In a parallel circuit, the total current is equal to the sum of the individual branch currents. This is because the total current is divided among the different paths in the circuit.

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