0 resistance wire in parallel circuit

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about a parallel circuit with zero resistance wire, participants clarify that current flows through the path of least resistance, which is why it moves upwards rather than left at the junction after R1. The voltage across the inductor in part b is determined to be zero, as the current through it is multiplied by its zero resistance. Consequently, the voltage across R2 is also zero, resulting in no current flowing through R2. This reinforces the principle that current distribution in a circuit is influenced by resistance levels. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding how current behaves in circuits with varying resistances.
ehrenfest
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In question 1 b at the following site:

http://ocw.mit.edu/NR/rdonlyres/Physics/8-02Electricity-and-MagnetismSpring2002/6D148C87-C69B-44B6-AECA-CB9D875E0F40/0/exam2.pdf

I am having trouble with 1b. At the junction right after R1, why does the current go only up and not left when the upper path has zero resistance? Is there a law that says current always travels in the path of least resistance?
 
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ehrenfest said:
In question 1 b at the following site:

http://ocw.mit.edu/NR/rdonlyres/Physics/8-02Electricity-and-MagnetismSpring2002/6D148C87-C69B-44B6-AECA-CB9D875E0F40/0/exam2.pdf

I am having trouble with 1b. At the junction right after R1, why does the current go only up and not left when the upper path has zero resistance? Is there a law that says current always travels in the path of least resistance?

What is the voltage across the inductor in part b?
 
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Yes current always takes the path with the smallest resistance.
 
You can also calculate the current in R2. Since current is finite and the resistance across the inductor is 0 in part b... the voltage across the inductor is I3*0=0. Hence the voltage across R2 is 0. I2=0/R2 = 0. So the current through R2 is 0.
 
I see. Thanks.
 

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