Calculate electric current in a resistor

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric current in a 20 ohm resistor, particularly in the context of a circuit involving parallel resistors. Participants are exploring the relationships between voltage, current, and resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about how to begin the problem, suggesting that calculating voltage might be a starting point. Others question whether knowing the current through parallel resistors is sufficient to determine the current through the 20 ohm resistor without needing voltage. There are also inquiries about understanding the concepts of series and parallel elements.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various insights and suggestions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the current divider concept, and there is an ongoing exploration of how to approach the problem, though no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of circuit analysis, particularly in relation to parallel resistors, and there is an emphasis on the importance of understanding foundational concepts before proceeding with calculations.

nowayn
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Homework Statement


fysik_zpsf8f86f41.png

calculate the electric current in the 20 ohm resistor

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea where to start, but i thought maybe you should calculate the voltage first and then the voltage over the 20 ohm resistor.
 
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nowayn said:

Homework Statement


fysik_zpsf8f86f41.png

calculate the electric current in the 20 ohm resistor

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea where to start, but i thought maybe you should calculate the voltage first and then the voltage over the 20 ohm resistor.
You know the current through the parallel pair of resistors. How do you get from there to the current through the 20ohm resistor. You don't need voltage.
 
phinds said:
You know the current through the parallel pair of resistors.
wait so is the current there also 0,3A?
 
nowayn said:
wait so is the current there also 0,3A?
Do you understand the concepts of series elements and parallel elements? If you are not clear on that then you need to GET clear on it before trying ANY problems of this sort, else you will be perpetually confused.
 
Investigate the topic: current divider.

The current divider and the voltage divider are two concepts that you will find to be very handy to know about.
 
You don't know where to start ? Start of by calculating the parallel resistance between 20ohm and 30ohm resistor, then maybe something will click off in your mind.
 
1/20=0,05
1/30=0,0333
0,08333/0,05=0,6
resistor with 20ohms will get 60% of the current
0,3*0,6=0,18
 

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