Homework Help: Compound circuit voltage drop along parallel component

1. Nov 12, 2012

bnosam

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

http://imageshack.us/a/img197/3519/circuith.png [Broken]

Equivalent Resistance of circuit = 17.31 Ω

2. Relevant equations

V = I * R

3. 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

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: May 6, 2017
2. Nov 12, 2012

lewando

What makes you question the voltage? It is in the ballpark.

3. Nov 12, 2012

bnosam

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.

4. Nov 12, 2012

SammyS

Staff Emeritus
What is it you are trying to find?

The voltage value you found is correct.

Last edited by a moderator: May 6, 2017
5. Nov 12, 2012

bnosam

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?

6. Nov 12, 2012

SammyS

Staff Emeritus
Yes, that's correct!

7. Nov 12, 2012

bnosam

Thanks SammyS, I appreciate your help.