Are Resistors in Parallel if Another Resistor is Between Them?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the configuration of resistors in a circuit, specifically whether a 3 ohm resistor is in parallel with a 5 ohm resistor when a 1 ohm resistor is present between them. The subject area is electrical circuits and resistor configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the arrangement of resistors and question the definition of parallel connections in the context of additional resistors affecting the configuration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided interpretations of the circuit, suggesting that while the 3 ohm and 5 ohm resistors cannot be considered in parallel directly, other combinations, such as the 3 ohm and 2 ohm resistors, can be. The discussion reflects differing views on the arrangement and relationships between the resistors.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the need to consider the equivalent resistance of the entire circuit, indicating that the problem may involve multiple resistors and their interactions.

eurekameh
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For the circuit shown, is the 3 ohm resistor in parallel with the 5 ohm resistor if the 1 ohm resistor is "in the way?"
 
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The three and two ohm resistors are in parallel, and then that combination is in series with the one ohm resistor. Then the combination of all three of those is in parallel with the five ohm resistor.
 
eurekameh said:
For the circuit shown, is the 3 ohm resistor in parallel with the 5 ohm resistor if the 1 ohm resistor is "in the way?"
No.

You can still find the equivalent resistance of the total circuit by other methods (considering all 4 resistors), but you can't consider the 3 Ohm and 5 Ohm resistors as being in parallel directly.

You can consider the 3 Ohm and 2 Ohm resistors as being in parallel, however.
 
Thanks.
 

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