Circuit question with two batteries and resistors in pa

[FelaKuti]

Homework Statement

[/B]

Q: What is the power dissipated by R1?

Homework Equations

Ohm's law: V = IR
Power: P = VI, I²R, V²/R
Kirchoff's circuit and voltage laws

The Attempt at a Solution

I assumed the currents were I₁ traveling rightwards from the top battery, I₂ rightwards from the second battery, and came together to make I₃ for the bottom branch. The bottom resistor pair I simplified to 10/7 Ohms. From here I assume I have to set up simultaneous equations to solve for I₁.

I used the equation for the bottom branch 1.5V - 10/7 * I₃ = 0 to get I₃ = 1.05A.

I subbed this into the equation for the outer loop 1.5 - 3I₁ - 10/7I₃ = 0. However plugging 1.05A into this gave me 0 for I₁...

I feel like I'm way off the mark..

 

[oz93666]

Why would there be any current flowing in R1?

 

[NascentOxygen]

Why would there be any current flowing in R1?

Indeed!

The current through R1 is determined by the PD across R1. So ask yourself: what is the P.D. across R1?