Compound circuit voltage drop along parallel component

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a compound circuit involving parallel and series components, specifically focusing on calculating voltage drops and equivalent resistance. The original poster presents a scenario with given resistances and current, attempting to determine the total voltage and voltage drop across a specific parallel arrangement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster calculates the total voltage using the formula V = I * R but expresses uncertainty about the result, questioning its validity based on previous problems. They also detail their process of collapsing resistances in the circuit.
  • Some participants inquire about the reasons for the original poster's doubts regarding the voltage, noting that the calculated value seems reasonable.
  • Further clarification is sought regarding the specific voltage drop across the parallel arrangement, with the original poster attempting to confirm their calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's calculations. There is a mix of confirmation and further questioning regarding the voltage drop across the parallel components. While some guidance has been offered, multiple interpretations of the problem are still being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that previous problems typically featured whole number voltages, which contributes to their uncertainty about the calculated voltage. There is also a mention of forgetting the actual question initially, which indicates a potential lack of clarity in the problem setup.

bnosam
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Homework Statement



http://imageshack.us/a/img197/3519/circuith.png

Equivalent Resistance of circuit = 17.31 Ω


Homework Equations



V = I * R

The Attempt at a Solution



Total voltage of the circuit, if I'm doing this correctly should be:

E = (3.00 A) * (17.31 Ω) = 51.93 V

But something doesn't seem right about this number

When we collapse the series in the top parallel circuit branch it becomes: 24.0 Ω + 6.00 Ω = 30.0 Ω

Then we collapse the whole parallel circuit into a single resistor equal to: \frac{1}{\frac{1}{15.0 Ω} + \frac{1}{30.0 Ω}} = 10.0 Ω


I'm not quite sure where to go past this and I'm questioning the voltage I'm getting, so any pointers in the right direction would be awesome, thanks :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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What makes you question the voltage? It is in the ballpark.
 
lewando said:
What makes you question the voltage? It is in the ballpark.

The thing that makes me question the voltage is the fact that all the voltages given to us so far in any problems were whole numbers and usually over 100V.

And if that's the correct voltage, then I'm not quite sure where to go next.
 
bnosam said:

Homework Statement



http://imageshack.us/a/img197/3519/circuith.png

Equivalent Resistance of circuit = 17.31 Ω

Homework Equations



V = I * R

The Attempt at a Solution



Total voltage of the circuit, if I'm doing this correctly should be:

E = (3.00 A) * (17.31 Ω) = 51.93 V

But something doesn't seem right about this number

When we collapse the series in the top parallel circuit branch it becomes: 24.0 Ω + 6.00 Ω = 30.0 Ω

Then we collapse the whole parallel circuit into a single resistor equal to: \frac{1}{\frac{1}{15.0 Ω} + \frac{1}{30.0 Ω}} = 10.0 Ω

I'm not quite sure where to go past this and I'm questioning the voltage I'm getting, so any pointers in the right direction would be awesome, thanks :)
What is it you are trying to find?

The voltage value you found is correct.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
SammyS said:
What is it you are trying to find?

The voltage value you found is correct.

I type that up and I managed to forget the actual question! Haha, sorry.

The question:

What is the voltage drop across the parallel arrangement in the upper branch?

E = I * R

E = (3.00 A) * 10.0 Ω = 30.0 V?

That looks right to me. Anyone confirm for me please?
 
bnosam said:
I type that up and I managed to forget the actual question! Haha, sorry.

The question:

What is the voltage drop across the parallel arrangement in the upper branch?

E = I * R

E = (3.00 A) * 10.0 Ω = 30.0 V?

That looks right to me. Anyone confirm for me please?

Yes, that's correct!
 
SammyS said:
Yes, that's correct!

Thanks SammyS, I appreciate your help.
 

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