Calculating Current Through a Parallel Resistor Circuit: Help Needed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on calculating the current through a resistor in a parallel circuit with two other unequal resistors. Participants explore the application of Ohm's law in this context, seeking clarification on how to approach the problem given specific resistor values and voltage.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to find the current through R1 in a parallel circuit with given resistor values and total voltage.
  • Another participant suggests using Ohm's law to find the current through each resistor.
  • A participant questions whether Ohm's law applies similarly in parallel and series configurations, expressing confusion about the differences.
  • One participant hints that the original poster may have too much information for the problem at hand.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus, as participants express varying levels of understanding and confusion regarding the application of Ohm's law in parallel circuits.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the assumptions regarding the circuit configuration or the application of Ohm's law, leaving some steps and reasoning unresolved.

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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