Calculating power of one of two resistors

  • Thread starter Thread starter carpelumen
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Power Resistors
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
1 reply · 2K views
carpelumen
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Two resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series to a battery supplying a voltage of ∆V as shown. How much power is dissipated by the resistor R2 in the form of heat? Use the following data: R1 = 10 Ω, R2 = 5 Ω, ∆V = 3 V
http://tinypic.com/r/153tr91/8

2. Homework Equations

Rtotal = R1 + R2
P=V^2/R
P= I^2 x R

The Attempt at a Solution


Rtot = 10 + 15 = 15 ohms
I = 3/15 = .2 A
P = (.2^2) x 10 = .4 WWhy is this the wrong answer??
 
Physics news on Phys.org