How Do You Calculate Resistance in Complex Circuits?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate resistance in complex circuits, the equation V=IR is used along with the formula for total resistance Rt. In this case, the total resistance was calculated as Rt = 0.4 ohms based on a current of 5.0A and a voltage of 2V. However, an error in algebra led to an incorrect resistance value of -5 ohms instead of the correct answer of 0.750 ohms. The discussion emphasizes the importance of double-checking arithmetic and algebra in circuit calculations. Accurate calculations are crucial for determining resistance in complex circuits.
Maigowai
Messages
8
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


What is the value of resistance R in the figure, if the current through the battery is 5.0A?


Homework Equations


V=IR
Rt = (1/R1 + 1/R2)^-1 + R3


The Attempt at a Solution


Rt = V/I
Rt = 2V/5A
Rt = 0.4ohms

0.4 = (1/0.5 + 1/R)^-1 + 0.1
R = -5 ohms

(the answer given is 0.750 ohms)
 

Attachments

  • 22.png
    22.png
    3.1 KB · Views: 388
Physics news on Phys.org
Everything looks correct down to and including 0.4 = (1/0.5 + 1/R)^-1 + 0.1

I started from that point and got the correct answer. Check your arithmetic again.
 
skeptic2 said:
Everything looks correct down to and including 0.4 = (1/0.5 + 1/R)^-1 + 0.1

I started from that point and got the correct answer. Check your arithmetic again.

oh yeah haha you're right, I messed up in my algebra, thanks!
 
skeptic2 said:
Everything looks correct down to and including 0.4 = (1/0.5 + 1/R)^-1 + 0.1

I started from that point and got the correct answer. Check your arithmetic again.

if you could, please take a look at my other quetsion here: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=3478610#post3478610
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top