Current & Voltage Homework: Find Current & PD @ X,Y

  • Thread starter Thread starter TyErd
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Current Voltage
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a circuit analysis problem involving resistors in parallel and series configurations. The original poster seeks to find the current through a specific resistor and the potential difference between two points in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method for calculating equivalent resistance in parallel circuits and question how to approach the circuit with a power supply. There are attempts to clarify which resistors should be considered in the parallel section and how to simplify the circuit for analysis.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to treat the parallel section of the circuit. Some participants express uncertainty about breaking down the circuit correctly, and there is no clear consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a misunderstanding regarding the original problem, and participants are navigating the complexities of combining resistors in different configurations while considering the power supply's influence.

TyErd
Messages
297
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


For the circuit shown

Find:
1. The current in the 20ohm resistor
2. The potential difference between points X and Y


Homework Equations


V=IR


The Attempt at a Solution


the resistors in the parallel component were assigned a voltage of 25 and thus found the current to be a total of 10A. When exiting the parallel component it must be 10A thus the 20ohm resistor has a 10A current passing through it.
 

Attachments

  • circuit2.JPG
    circuit2.JPG
    5.9 KB · Views: 457
Physics news on Phys.org
remember when adding resistors in parallel you add the inverse. (1/R)+(1/R)=1/Req.
 
but can you do it will all three resistors, even though there's a power supply?
 
...?
 
Sorry I read the original problem wrong. Treat the parallel section of the circuit as its own serperate circuit. Collapse the three resistors into a single resistance. Then try proceding from there.
 
by the parallel section do you mean just 10 and the 5 or 10, 5 and the other 10 with the power supply?
 
even then I'm not sure how to break the circuit up
 
So, you have the parallel section of the circuit. Treat that as it's own individual circuit. Add the three resitors, then you plug that back into the circuit. So, you end up with the battery, the Req and the 20 and 5 ohm resitors in series. Then find the current and you can find the potential drop.
 
okay so i did that, and got a current of 0.9A, which is incorrect
 
  • #10
?
 

Similar threads

Understanding example in Wikipedia entry for open circuit voltage
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Using Current and Voltage Dividers
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Why do the headlights on the car become dim when the car is starting?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Need help with a question on potential difference
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Finding the Current Through a Resistor (Working With Parallel and Series)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Calculation of current in driven series RLC circuit
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Value of resistor for full scale deflection with 10A
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Finding the Current in a Resistor in a Closed Circuit
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Equivalent resistance of a circuit
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Circuits question, series vs parallel
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K