Electrical Potential between 2 points

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electrical potential between two points, A and B, in a circuit involving resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4. The problem includes given values for resistance and power dissipation, and participants are exploring the relationships between voltage, current, and resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to start solving the problem, indicating a need for guidance.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of showing effort and understanding relevant formulas related to voltage, current, resistance, and power.
  • A participant calculates the resistance value based on the power dissipation formula, suggesting that the resistance for R3 is 405 ohms.
  • Questions are raised about determining the voltage drops across R1 and R4, highlighting the need for current values through those resistors.
  • There is a discussion about whether the current through R1 and R4 is the same as that through R2 and R3, with one participant affirming this connection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on how to proceed with the calculations, and there are varying levels of understanding and approaches to the problem. Some participants seek clarification while others provide suggestions, indicating a mix of agreement on the need for current values but disagreement on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the relationships between the resistors and the current flow, and there are missing assumptions regarding the circuit configuration that may affect the calculations.

UTK_James
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Mentor note: Member warned about posting a question without the template
1. Find the electrical potential between A and B given that R1=R2=R4=100 Ohms; Power dissipated by R3 is 200 mW at 9 Volts

[ code ]
A---------R1-----------*-------------------
| |
R2 R3
| |
B---------R4----------*--------------------
[ /code ]

I have no clue where to even start on this problem.. So any help will be greatly appreciated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Take the extraneous spaces out of your code tags so that your diagram shows up correctly.

Also, you HAVE to show some effort, as per the forum rules. If you don't know ANY formulas relating to voltage, current, resistance, and power, then you should not be attempting the problem.
 
Code:
A-----R1------*-------
              |      |
            R2     R3
              |      |
B-----R4------*-------
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I know the dissipating power is equal to v^2/R so that would be .2=9^2/R, with the R value being 405 ohms, but from there I have no clue where to go from there.
 
What would you have to find out in order to determine the voltage drops across R1 and R4?
 
You need the current across those two resistors to find the voltage drop. Would that current be the same current that flows through R2 and R3?
 
UTK_James said:
You need the current across those two resistors to find the voltage drop. Would that current be the same current that flows through R2 and R3?
Sure. See what you can do with that.
 

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