Basic Electricity: Learn Basics of Electricity

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The discussion focuses on verifying calculations related to resistors in series and parallel circuits. The initial problem with resistors in series was solved correctly, while the calculation for resistors in parallel needed adjustment, specifically using the formula for total resistance. Participants clarified that the total resistance in parallel should be less than any individual resistor and provided the correct formula. There was also a discussion about the implications of shorting a battery, emphasizing that the amp-hours rating affects current supply. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of accurate calculations and understanding circuit behavior.
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Can someone please check my answers here, there are loads of formulaes been give that I haven't used so I'm not sure if they are right or not, thanks.
 

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The first problem (resistors in series) is done correctly, but the second (resistors in parallel) is not. Recalculate the total resistance in that second circuit. Hint: When resistors are in parallel, the total resistance will be less than that of any single resistor.
 
The total resistance of resistors in parallel can be calculated with

\frac{1}{R_p} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2}

this can be changed to

R_p=\frac{R_1R_2}{R_1 + R_2}
 
andrevdh said:
The total resistance of resistors in parallel can be calculated with

\frac{1}{R_p} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2}

this can be changed to

R_p=\frac{R_1R_2}{R_1 + R_2}

When I do that I get 6x2 = 12ohm 12ohm/8 ohms = 1.5 ohms, is that right?
 
Yes. That seems to be it.
 
Am I right in thinking that if you have a 12v battery and short it the current would be very high?
 
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Not neccessarily. The amp-hours rating is a complicated affair. It is the amount of current it can supply (chosen for "normal" [designed] operating conditions) for a certain set period (I think it is normally for 20 hours, but I might be wrong) before the battery is completely drained and dies out. So you might get more out of it for a shorter period but only to a certain limit (everyone has his limitations!).
 
Ok I think I'm not sure If I've got this right. I worked out I1 and I2 using fractions.
 

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Anyone?...
 
  • #10
Rethink your answer for C (the total current).
 
  • #11
The current through the 2 ohm resistor is the current through all of the circuit since

I = I_1 + I_2

So I will be be determined by the total resistance of the circuit and the voltage of the power supply.
 
  • #12
Ok we went through that question today and I got A-F right but G was 0.9A.
 
  • #13
12/5 does not equal 1.2, maybe you sent us the wrong version of the problem, or the teacher did it wrong
 
  • #14
Ah sorry I put 12v instead of 6, doh.
 
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