Are these resistors in series or parallel?

In summary, the resistors in the given diagram are in series and parallel with each other, depending on which nodes are being considered. The polarity of the resistors does not affect their placement in the circuit.
  • #1
ainster31
158
1

Homework Statement



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Ignore the wires that go out of the image.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



At first I thought they were in series because they're all lined up. But why can't the 4 kilo-ohm resistor and 12 kilo-ohm resistor be in parallel with the 6 kilo-ohm resistor where A and B are the two nodes? Does it depend on the polarity of the resistors?
 
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  • #2
hi ainster31! :smile:
ainster31 said:
Ignore the wires that go out of the image.

sorry, but that's virtually impossible …

in particular, we need to know whether there's something important attached to that sticky-out line between the 4 kΩ and the 12 kΩ :confused:
At first I thought they were in series because they're all lined up.

the equation for being in series depends on them all having the same current through them, in the same direction

how can that happen here? (with no battery in that loop) :wink:
 
  • #3
ainster31 said:
At first I thought they were in series because they're all lined up. But why can't the 4 kilo-ohm resistor and 12 kilo-ohm resistor be in parallel with the 6 kilo-ohm resistor where A and B are the two nodes?

Assuming the lines that go off the image go nowhere then...

If A and B are the two nodes of concern then they ARE exactly as you describe. The 4K and 12K are in series with each other and the pair are in parallel with the 6k.

Does it depend on the polarity of the resistors?

No.

Two components are in series if they share one (and only one) node with each other and no other component. For example the 4k and 12K share a common node (the one between them) with each other and no other component (you said to ignore the line going off the image).

Components are in parallel if they share two nodes.
 
  • #4
ainster31 said:
Does it depend on the polarity of the resistors?

Just FYI, passive resistors such as are shown in your diagram don't HAVE a polarity.
 
  • #5


Without further information or a clearer image, it is difficult to determine whether the resistors are in series or parallel. The fact that they are lined up does suggest they could be in series, but it is also possible that they are in parallel with each other. The arrangement of the resistors and their polarity can also affect whether they are in series or parallel. It would be helpful to have more information or a clearer image in order to accurately determine the configuration of the resistors.
 

1. How can I tell if resistors are in series or parallel?

The easiest way to tell if resistors are in series or parallel is to look at the way they are connected. If the resistors are connected in a single line, with one end of each resistor connected to the next, then they are in series. If the resistors are connected with both ends of each resistor connected to the same two points, then they are in parallel.

2. What is the difference between series and parallel resistors?

In series, the resistors are connected in a single line, so the current passing through each resistor is the same. In parallel, the resistors are connected with both ends connected to the same two points, so the voltage across each resistor is the same. Additionally, in series, the total resistance is the sum of all the resistors, while in parallel, the total resistance is calculated using a different formula.

3. How do I calculate the total resistance of series and parallel resistors?

For series resistors, the total resistance is simply the sum of all the resistors. For parallel resistors, you can use the formula 1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... to calculate the total resistance. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut formula Rtotal = (R1 * R2 * R3 * ...) / (R1 + R2 + R3 + ...).

4. Do series and parallel resistors have different effects on current and voltage?

Yes, they do. In series, the current passing through each resistor is the same, while in parallel, the current is split between the resistors. In terms of voltage, in series, the total voltage is divided among the resistors, while in parallel, the voltage across each resistor is the same.

5. Can I have a combination of series and parallel resistors in a circuit?

Yes, it is possible to have a combination of series and parallel resistors in a circuit. This is known as a series-parallel circuit. In this type of circuit, some resistors are connected in series and others in parallel, creating different paths for the current to flow through. The total resistance for this type of circuit is calculated using a combination of the series and parallel formulas.

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