Calculating Potential Difference in a Series Circuit

Click For Summary
The potential difference across a 4.0 ohm resistor with a current of 1.4A is calculated using Ohm's Law (V=IR), resulting in a value of 48V for Va-Vb. The discussion highlights the confusion beginners may face when asked to find potential difference without given voltage. It clarifies that potential difference and voltage are interchangeable terms. The initial struggle with the question reflects common challenges in learning electrical concepts. Understanding these basics is crucial for mastering series circuits.
wkn0524
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
1. If the current in the 4.0 ohm resistor is 1.4A. What is the magnitude of the potential difference. Va-Vb?



2. V=IR, 1/Req=1/r1 +1/r2 ...



3. Va-Vb= 48V

I was stuck on beginning of the question. I knew how to start if the voltage is given but now asking me to find the potential difference and make me headache. I'm a beginner on the electrical course.

Thank.
 

Attachments

  • Untitled.png
    Untitled.png
    16.1 KB · Views: 1,385
Physics news on Phys.org
Potential difference and voltage are two names for the same thing.
 
Never mind. Deleted.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K