Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the concept of power delivered to resistors in an open circuit scenario. Participants explore the implications of having resistors in a circuit where no current flows, examining the relationships between voltage, current, and power using various formulas.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- The original poster questions whether power can be delivered to resistors on an open circuit, referencing the formulas P=IV and P=(V^2)/R.
- One participant asserts that in an open circuit, there is no current, leading to zero power delivery, and emphasizes that power dissipation requires current flow.
- Another participant explains that the formula P=(V^2)/R assumes current is present, and thus is not applicable in the case of an open circuit.
- It is noted that an open circuit implies infinite resistance, resulting in no current and consequently no power.
- One participant clarifies that while V^2/R suggests power could exist, the voltage across the resistor is zero when there is no current.
- The original poster acknowledges understanding that current is zero in an open circuit and expresses gratitude for the clarifications provided by others.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that in an open circuit, no current flows, leading to no power delivered to the resistors. However, there is some discussion regarding the interpretation of the power formulas in this context.
Contextual Notes
Participants discuss the limitations of applying power formulas without current, highlighting the dependence on the definitions of voltage and current in the context of resistors in an open circuit.