Calculate the Current, Lost Volt and P.d across parallel resistors?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating current, lost volt, and potential difference across parallel resistors in an electrical circuit context. The original poster presents a problem statement with specific calculations and equations related to these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the meaning of "lost volt" and its relevance to the problem. There are attempts to calculate the potential difference across the resistors, with some participants providing specific voltage calculations based on given currents and resistances.

Discussion Status

Some participants express uncertainty about the term "lost volt," while others suggest it may refer to internal resistance in the battery. There is a general exploration of the voltage across parallel resistors, with some calculations presented but no consensus on the interpretation of lost volt.

Contextual Notes

Participants note a lack of clarity regarding the term "lost volt" and its implications for the calculations. There is also mention of potential confusion stemming from the problem's wording and the assumptions that may need to be clarified.

looi76
Messages
80
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9121/10052008ei3.png
(a) Calculate the Current across parallel resistors.
(b) Calculate the lost volt across parallel resistors.
(c) Calculate the potential difference across parallel resistors.

Homework Equations


I = \frac{V}{R}

Lost \ Volt = Ir

V = IR

The Attempt at a Solution


(a) 1.5A (I just added the currents of the parallel resistors.)

(b) Lost \ Volt = Ir

= 1.3 \times 1.5

= 1.95V

= 2.0V

(c) Need Help in solving it...

Thnx in advance
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
What exactly does "lost volt" refer to?

For (c), recall what is the expression for voltage across a resistor. Also try to recall what so special about the potential difference across parallen circuit components. Then just plug in the numbers and you're done.
 
That the problem, I don't really know what Lost Volt is?!

(c) V_1 = IR = 1.17 \times 6 = 7V

V_2 = IR = 0.33 \times 21 = 7V

So, the voltage across the parallel resistors is 7V ?
 
Yes, that should be it. Anyway, I have no idea what "lost volt" refers to. Maybe you could ask your teacher who set the question.
 
I'm pretty sure the lost volt is the resistance inside the battery. Once you work out the lost volt you can minus that from the voltage of the battery and work out the real value of V. Most questions don't include thw lost volt because it is quite small and considered negible. I think they are probably just making you aware of it and know hoe=w to calculate it.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
970
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
6K