Electric circuit problem, finding current through a resistor

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the current through resistor R1 in a parallel electric circuit configuration. Given values include a total current (I) of 6.0 A, R1 at 11.0 Ω, R2 at 33.0 Ω, and R3 at 67.0 Ω. The resistors R2 and R3 are in parallel, and the entire setup is also in parallel with R1. The relevant equations include Ohm's Law (V=IR) and Kirchhoff's Laws for current and resistance calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (V=IR)
  • Familiarity with Kirchhoff's Laws
  • Knowledge of series and parallel resistor configurations
  • Ability to perform calculations involving equivalent resistance
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the equivalent resistance of R2 and R3 using the formula RT in parallel = [(1/R2)+(1/R3)]-1
  • Determine the voltage across the parallel resistors using the total current and equivalent resistance
  • Calculate the individual currents through R2 and R3 using Ohm's Law
  • Find the current through R1 based on the total current and the currents through R2 and R3
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, educators teaching circuit analysis, and anyone interested in understanding current distribution in parallel resistor circuits.

physics604
Messages
92
Reaction score
2
1. The diagram attached shows part of an electric circuit. What is the current through resistor R1?

To summarize:
I=6.0 A
R1 = 11.0 Ω
R2 = 33.0 Ω
R3 = 67.0 Ω

R2 and R3 are in parallel, and R1 and R2 and 3 are in parallel.

I know we aren't supposed to attach pictures of questions, but a diagram does make my question a lot easier to understand.


Homework Equations



V=IR
IT in series = I1=I2=I3
IT in parallel = I1+I2+I3
RT in series = R1+R2+R3
RT in parallel = [(1/R1)+(1/R2)+(1/R3)]-1

The Attempt at a Solution



Using the resistor laws, I can find resistance of R2 and 3 by (1/33+1/67)-1.

Using Kirchoff's Laws, I know that the resistance coming out has to equal the 6.0 A.

But I don't get how all this information is relevant. The question doesn't give me voltage or any other information and I don't know how to figure out how much current goes through each resistor.
 

Attachments

  • diagram.PNG
    diagram.PNG
    2.4 KB · Views: 534
Physics news on Phys.org
Notice that ALL of the resistors are in parallel. Find the voltage across all of them, then find the current through each one.
 
What's the net resistance of the circuit?
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K