Creating Circuits with equivalent resistances

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding unique combinations of circuits using four identical resistors to achieve nine different equivalent resistances. The subject area is electrical circuits, specifically focusing on resistor configurations and their equivalent resistances.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various configurations of resistors and question how to achieve the required nine unique equivalent resistances. Some express uncertainty about the problem statement and seek clarification on what is meant by "equivalent resistances." Others share their attempts and progress in drawing circuits.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their current progress and configurations. Some have drawn circuits and are exploring different combinations, while others are providing hints and encouragement to continue experimenting with the arrangements.

Contextual Notes

There is a specific requirement to use all four resistors in each configuration, and participants are working under the assumption that each arrangement must yield a unique equivalent resistance. The problem also hints at achieving nine distinct arrangements.

ragsz
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Homework Statement


Given 4 Identical resistors, I need to be able to find the 9 combinations of circuits with equivalent resistances


Homework Equations


Do I just keep flipping between parallel resistor sequences?



The Attempt at a Solution


I drew 3 different circuits that I believe to be correct, but cannot seem to come up with 9 different ones.
 
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ragsz said:

Homework Statement


Given 4 Identical resistors, I need to be able to find the 9 combinations of circuits with equivalent resistances


Homework Equations


Do I just keep flipping between parallel resistor sequences?



The Attempt at a Solution


I drew 3 different circuits that I believe to be correct, but cannot seem to come up with 9 different ones.

Welcome to the PF.

Could you clarify the problem statement some? What do you mean by "equivalent resistances"? Equivalent to what? To one of the single R values? Or equivalent to some other value, and all 9 combinations are equivalent to that value?
 
Maybe I should have typed it word for word... my bad. And thanks for the reply
You are given for identical 300 ohm resistors. Find as many ways of connecting all four resistors that give unique equivalent resistances. Then my professor gives us a hint that we should get 9 different arrangements using all four resistances that will give unique equivalent resistances.
Thanks
 
ragsz said:
Maybe I should have typed it word for word... my bad. And thanks for the reply
You are given for identical 300 ohm resistors. Find as many ways of connecting all four resistors that give unique equivalent resistances. Then my professor gives us a hint that we should get 9 different arrangements using all four resistances that will give unique equivalent resistances.
Thanks

Oh, unique equivalent resistances. So each configuration will result in a different equivalent resistance, and you have to use all 4 resistors in each configuration. Got it.

Show us what you have so far, and maybe we can offer some hints...
 
I'm at 5 right now... Interesting problem. :smile:
 
berkeman said:
I'm at 5 right now... Interesting problem. :smile:

7...
 
9. :smile:

How's it going on your end?
 
ragsz said:
Ok well here are my two... I know that's not much, but I think I am lost with this stuff.
http://imgur.com/ZyxobN4

You probably don't have to draw the battery, just show the resistors with the connection points at the ends of the configuration. Unless the problem asks for you to show the battery for some reason.

So what you have shown so far is:

4R = R + R + R + R

R = R/2 + R/2

Now keep going. Try different combinations and connections, and see if they result in a different equivalent resistance. It's actually kind of fun... :smile:
 

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