- #1
Zaphia
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Homework Statement
Find the current flowing through each of the resistors in the circuit shown, where [tex]\xi[/tex] = 14V and R=6.3[tex]\Omega[/tex].
Homework Equations
I=V/R
where I=current (Amps), V=potential different (Volts), R=resistance ([tex]\Omega[/tex]).
Resistors in Series:
Req=R1+R2+...
Ieq=I1=I2=...
Veq=V1+V2+...
Resistors in Parallel:
1/Req=1/R1+1/R2+...
Ieq=I1+I2+...
Veq=V1=V2=...
The Attempt at a Solution
Step 1: Determine the overall resistance of the circuit.
6.3[tex]\Omega[/tex] and 5.8[tex]\Omega[/tex] are in series, so Req=12.1[tex]\Omega[/tex] so far.
Next, 12.1[tex]\Omega[/tex] and 3.2[tex]\Omega[/tex] are in parallel, so the resulting Req is: 1/Req=1/12.1[tex]\Omega[/tex]+1/3.2[tex]\Omega[/tex]=2.531[tex]\Omega[/tex].
Finally, 2.531[tex]\Omega[/tex], 1.0[tex]\Omega[/tex] and 4.5[tex]\Omega[/tex] are in series. So Req=2.531[tex]\Omega[/tex]+1.0[tex]\Omega[/tex]+4.5[tex]\Omega[/tex]=8.031[tex]\Omega[/tex]
The total resistance of the circuit is 8.031[tex]\Omega[/tex].
Step 2: Determine the overall current, I.
Using Ohm's equation, I=V/R, I found that I=1.743A
Step 3: Determine the individual currents at each of the resistors.
This is the part that I can't figure out. I know that resistors 4.5[tex]\Omega[/tex] and 1.0[tex]\Omega[/tex] have current, I=1.743A because the current travels from positive to negative, but I don't understand how to solve for the currents for the rest of the resistors.
I also understand that the resistors 6.3[tex]\Omega[/tex] and 5.8[tex]\Omega[/tex] will also have the same current.
(I have been given the correct answers for all of the resistors, but I can't reverse-solve the problems either:)
6.3[tex]\Omega[/tex] and 5.8[tex]\Omega[/tex], I=0.365A
3.2[tex]\Omega[/tex], I=1.38A
Thanks for any insight!