Conductor and insulator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of understanding conductors, insulators, and resistors in the context of series and parallel circuits. Participants explore different methods and approaches to facilitate comprehension of these concepts, including the use of Thevenin and Norton equivalents.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that mastering the concepts of conductors, insulators, and resistors takes years of experience.
  • Others argue that understanding can be achieved in weeks or days, emphasizing the importance of basic principles over advanced theories.
  • One participant highlights that in parallel circuits, components share one voltage and add the currents, while in series circuits, they share one current and add the voltages.
  • There is a discussion about the utility of Thevenin and Norton equivalents, with some viewing them as useful teaching tools while others consider them refinements that are not necessary for basic understanding.
  • One participant expresses that the original poster's inquiry about series and parallel resistors is simpler than the advanced circuit theories that may be learned later.
  • Another participant questions the original poster's understanding of the basic definitions of conductors, insulators, and resistors, suggesting that clarity on these terms could aid in their comprehension of series and parallel connections.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the time required to master the concepts, with some asserting it takes years while others believe it can be achieved much quicker. There is no consensus on the necessity or utility of Thevenin and Norton equivalents for understanding basic circuits.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention advanced methods such as Laplace transforms and fluence graphs, indicating that these may complicate the understanding of basic circuit concepts. The discussion reflects varying levels of experience and perspectives on teaching and learning in electrical circuits.

dhanish
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why is it quite difficult to understand about conductor,insulator and resistor in parellel and series circuit?any way and method for easy understanding...help please...
 
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It's difficult because it takes years of experience to master.

Again, master thevenin and norton equivalents and you will see the light. But it will take a long time...in other words, you will not master it today.
 
Weeks or days, not years.
thevenin and norton are refinements useful from time to time, not in the general case.

In parallel, components share one voltage and add the currents. In series, they share one current and add the voltages. Write the equations, deduce the conductance and resistance.

Later, you can do the same with AC current, adding capacitors and inductors, computing with complex numbers.

At some point, you can add power sources.
 
Enthalpy said:
Weeks or days, not years.
thevenin and norton are refinements useful from time to time, not in the general case.

I humbily disagree due to my teaching experience.

Your average person is not that smart and it takes a long time to master circuits. It took me a while as well. Truly gifted people will catch on quick, but not your average joe shmoe.

Thevenin is more of a teaching tool to get people used to shorting voltage sources and opening current sources. Anytime you see more than one source this should be instantaneous...superposition should be your first thought. Also teaches them KCL AND KVL. When finding total resistances...same thing...short voltage sources and open current sources. These thoughts are automatic when I look at any circuit. It's good stuff in my opinion.
 
The original poster wanted to put resistors in series and parallel, and I feel this easier than Thevenin, Norton, or the (much worse) circuit theories that have been developed, and which may be learned later.

Sure, the more general methods with Laplace transform and fluence graphs take years, but aren't necessary for insulators and conductors.
 
dhanish,

why is it quite difficult to understand about conductor,insulator and resistor in parellel and series circuit?any way and method for easy understanding...help please...

It's not, once you learn the simple basics. I assume you know what a conductor, insulator, and resistor is. Now, what specific question do you have with series and parallel connections.

Ratch
 

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