Current in circuit with many resistors

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the current and potential difference through a 3Ω resistor in a circuit containing multiple resistors, specifically 4Ω, 16Ω, and 48Ω. Participants emphasize the importance of simplifying the circuit by identifying parallel resistors, particularly the 4Ω and 48Ω resistors, to calculate the equivalent resistance (Req) using the formula Req = (1/R1 + 1/R2 +...) -1. Establishing the equivalent resistance allows for straightforward calculations of current and voltage across the resistors, which is crucial for solving the problem effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law
  • Familiarity with series and parallel resistor configurations
  • Ability to calculate equivalent resistance in circuits
  • Basic circuit diagram drawing skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate equivalent resistance for complex resistor networks
  • Study Kirchhoff's Laws in greater detail for circuit analysis
  • Practice drawing and simplifying circuit diagrams for clarity
  • Explore the implications of voltage division in series circuits
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, circuit designers, and anyone looking to improve their skills in circuit analysis and resistor calculations.

miyayeah
Messages
27
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the current and potential difference through 3Ω resistor.

Homework Equations


ε - I1 (Ω) - I2 (Ω) ... = 0

The Attempt at a Solution


I only got as far as finding the equation:
ε - I1 (3Ω) - I2 (16Ω) = 0 (For complete loop around circuit)
I know I have to find I1, but I don't know the value of I2 too, so I'm not sure how I need to start the question.

This is due midnight, any help would be appreciated.
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2018-02-14 at 2.00.15 PM.png
    Screen Shot 2018-02-14 at 2.00.15 PM.png
    20.6 KB · Views: 509
Physics news on Phys.org
Why don't you try simplifying the circuit first. Can you think of what you can do with the other resistors (4Ω, 48Ω, 16Ω)?
 
When you compare the voltages over the 3, 16 and 48 ohm resistors, what do you notice ?
Can you redraw the diagram so it looks more familiar ?
 
Can you identify some resistors in parallel? Do you know how to calculate the effective resistance of the set?
 
hehe...
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: TSny
haruspex said:
Can you identify some resistors in parallel? Do you know how to calculate the effective resistance of the set?
I believe 4Ω and 48Ω resistors are in parallel.
Req = (1/R1 + 1/R2 +...) -1.
But how would this help solve the problem?

BvU said:
When you compare the voltages over the 3, 16 and 48 ohm resistors, what do you notice ?
Can you redraw the diagram so it looks more familiar ?
I tried drawing it in two different parts, but I'm not sure how to combine the two, if they are right.

28081223_752792301578449_127912078_o.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 28081223_752792301578449_127912078_o.jpg
    28081223_752792301578449_127912078_o.jpg
    22.1 KB · Views: 318
miyayeah said:
I believe 4Ω and 48Ω resistors are in parallel.
They are indeed in parallel. Is there another resistor nearby that could also be considered in parallel with the 4Ω and 48Ω?
miyayeah said:
Req = (1/R1 + 1/R2 +...) -1.
But how would this help solve the problem?
If you can find the Req as seen by the voltage source, finding the current becomes easy. And if you know the current going through the 3Ω, finding the voltage across it becomes easy. Recognizing the parallel resistors is the first step.
miyayeah said:
I tried drawing it in two different parts, but I'm not sure how to combine the two, if they are right.
BvU was asking you to redraw your original circuit so that the parallel resistors would be more obvious. Drawing those two circuits, as you did, is not what he had in mind.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BvU

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K