Calculating Current Through a Parallel Resistor Circuit: Help Needed

AI Thread Summary
To find the current through a resistor in a parallel circuit, use Ohm's Law (I = V/R) for each resistor individually. In the example provided, with a total voltage of 10V across resistors R1 (5 ohms), R2 (10 ohms), and R3 (15 ohms), the current through R1 can be calculated as I1 = 10V / 5 ohms, resulting in 2A. The total current is the sum of the individual currents through each resistor, which can be calculated similarly for R2 and R3. The confusion often arises from the parallel configuration, but Ohm's Law applies universally regardless of the circuit type. Understanding how to apply these principles will clarify the calculations for current in parallel resistor circuits.
jenzao
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How do you find the current through a resistor that is in parallel with 2 other nonequal resistors? I totally forgot how to do this.
as an example, if

E = 10V
R1= 5ohm
R2 = 10ohm
R3 = 15ohm

So, I know that 1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 = .533ohm

and also know Inet = 10V/.533ohm = 18.76A

but how do i get current going through R1?


please help, and thanks


PS --this is NOT a homework question even though i post a lot of HW questions
 
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You have the voltage and resistance, just use Ohms law.
 


So you use ohms law for each resistor and doesn't matter if its in parallel or in series with other resistors? (thats what's confusing me)
 


Hint: You have too much information.
 
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