Engineering Calculate the resistance in the circuit

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the total resistance in a circuit with six resistors, each valued at 10 Ω. Initially, the assumption is made that all resistors are in parallel, leading to an incorrect calculation of total resistance as R_AB = R/6. Participants clarify that R2 and R3 are in series, indicating a misunderstanding of series versus parallel configurations. The concept of a balanced Wheatstone bridge is introduced, suggesting that R6 can be ignored since no current flows through it. A delta-Y transformation is also mentioned as a potential method for simplifying the circuit if it were not balanced.
Basel H
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


All resistors are ## R = 10 \Omega##
Resistance.PNG

Homework Equations


Calculate the total Resistance

The Attempt at a Solution


all resistors are parallel, so
$$ \dfrac{1}{R_{AB}} = \dfrac{1}{R} + \dfrac{1}{R} + \dfrac{1}{R} + \dfrac{1}{R} + \dfrac{1}{R} + \dfrac{1}{R} $$
## R_{AB} = \dfrac{R}{6}##
 

Attachments

  • Resistance.PNG
    Resistance.PNG
    8.9 KB · Views: 1,012
Physics news on Phys.org
Why do you think they are all in parallel? They arent, for example R2 and R3 are in series.

Hint: The circuit has some symmetry. If you applied a voltage to AB what would be the voltage across R6?
 
  • Like
Likes cnh1995
Basel H said:

Homework Statement


All resistors are ## R = 10 \Omega##
View attachment 217281

Homework Equations


Calculate the total Resistance

The Attempt at a Solution


all resistors are parallel, so
$$ \dfrac{1}{R_{AB}} = \dfrac{1}{R} + \dfrac{1}{R} + \dfrac{1}{R} + \dfrac{1}{R} + \dfrac{1}{R} + \dfrac{1}{R} $$
## R_{AB} = \dfrac{R}{6}##
Look up 'balanced Wheatstone bridge'.
 
Basel H said:
all resistors are parallel ...
As has already been pointed out, this is incorrect. I strongly suggest that you review, several times, the definitions of serial and parallel. Until you have those down cold, you will continue to have problems with circuit analysis.
 
Since no current will flow through R6 you may delete it [R6].
 
  • Like
Likes scottdave
As @Babadag stated, you can ignore R6. But suppose it was not balanced (or you didn't recognize that). You could do a delta-Y transformation with R2 R4 & R6, to simplify things, if you have learned that.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
596
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K