Circuits with Series and Parallel Wiring

In summary, the problem involves parallel and series circuits with 10 ohm, 20 ohm, and 6 ohm resistors. The 10 ohm resistors are in parallel, while the 20 ohm and 6 ohm resistor are in series. The 20 ohm and 6 ohm resistors are not in series because there is another element connected to the node where they are connected. To solve the problem, the voltage drop across each resistor must be calculated using V=RI. The voltage drop across the equivalent parallel resistors is the same for all resistors in parallel. The voltage drop across the 4 ohm resistor is used to calculate the total current flowing through the circuit.
  • #36
questions like these can be solved in your head!
first, for the current, the net resistance of the topmost two resistors is 5 ohm. now, the reciprocal of 5 is .2 and the reciprocal of 20 is .05 as you should be able to do immediately. they add up to be .25 - which is the reciprocal of the net resistance of the equivalent resistor containing the 20 ohm resistor and also the reciprocal of 4. so, to date, the net resistance is 4 ohms and this adds to the 6 ohms resistor in series. now, clearly, the net current through the battery is 20/(6+4) A = 2 A. this 2 A current divides in two sections in the ratio 4:1 (the current varies inversely as the resistance with p.d. constant). so, the current going through the ammeter is 2[itex]\times[/itex]4/5 = 16/10 = 1.6 A.
for the power, the current 1.6 A just divides in two equal parts, so it's .8 A through each 10 A resistor. so, the power dissipated is 10[itex]\times[/itex].82 = 6.4 W.

so, don't use the loop and the junction rules unless you really need them. they'll mess up everything. try to solve this kinds of problems intuitively or using the method I've described - they are really easy.
 
<h2>1. What is the difference between series and parallel wiring in circuits?</h2><p>Series wiring connects components in a single path, while parallel wiring connects components in multiple paths. In series wiring, the current is the same throughout the circuit, while in parallel wiring, the voltage is the same across each component.</p><h2>2. How do I calculate the total resistance in a series circuit?</h2><p>To calculate the total resistance in a series circuit, you simply add up the individual resistances of each component. This is because the current has to flow through each component in the circuit, so the total resistance is the sum of all the individual resistances.</p><h2>3. What happens to the total resistance in a parallel circuit?</h2><p>In a parallel circuit, the total resistance decreases as more components are added. This is because the current is divided among the different paths, resulting in a lower overall resistance. The more paths there are, the lower the total resistance will be.</p><h2>4. Can I mix series and parallel wiring in a circuit?</h2><p>Yes, it is possible to have a combination of series and parallel wiring in a circuit. This is known as a series-parallel circuit. In this type of circuit, some components are connected in series, while others are connected in parallel, allowing for a more complex and versatile circuit design.</p><h2>5. How does the voltage change in a series-parallel circuit?</h2><p>In a series-parallel circuit, the voltage remains the same across each component in a parallel path, but it may vary in a series path. This is because the voltage is divided among the different paths in a parallel circuit, but it remains constant in a series circuit.</p>

1. What is the difference between series and parallel wiring in circuits?

Series wiring connects components in a single path, while parallel wiring connects components in multiple paths. In series wiring, the current is the same throughout the circuit, while in parallel wiring, the voltage is the same across each component.

2. How do I calculate the total resistance in a series circuit?

To calculate the total resistance in a series circuit, you simply add up the individual resistances of each component. This is because the current has to flow through each component in the circuit, so the total resistance is the sum of all the individual resistances.

3. What happens to the total resistance in a parallel circuit?

In a parallel circuit, the total resistance decreases as more components are added. This is because the current is divided among the different paths, resulting in a lower overall resistance. The more paths there are, the lower the total resistance will be.

4. Can I mix series and parallel wiring in a circuit?

Yes, it is possible to have a combination of series and parallel wiring in a circuit. This is known as a series-parallel circuit. In this type of circuit, some components are connected in series, while others are connected in parallel, allowing for a more complex and versatile circuit design.

5. How does the voltage change in a series-parallel circuit?

In a series-parallel circuit, the voltage remains the same across each component in a parallel path, but it may vary in a series path. This is because the voltage is divided among the different paths in a parallel circuit, but it remains constant in a series circuit.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
422
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
542
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
458
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
565
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
936
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
659
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
765
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
275
Back
Top