Equivalent Resistance of a Ciruit

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equivalent resistance of a circuit with multiple resistors arranged in various configurations. The resistors have specified values, and participants are attempting to determine the correct method to calculate the equivalent resistance based on their arrangement.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss different combinations of resistors, such as series and parallel arrangements, and express uncertainty about the correct approach. Some suggest taking certain resistors in series before combining them with others in parallel, while others question the validity of these combinations.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the arrangement of resistors, with some participants providing guidance on how to combine them. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct method, as differing interpretations of the circuit layout are evident.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention that the arrangement of the resistors is causing confusion, and some suggest redrawing the circuit to clarify the relationships between the resistors. There is also a reference to using specific formulas for calculating equivalent resistance in series and parallel configurations.

Kajayacht
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
1. Find the equivalent resistance of the circuit as shown in the diagram below; where R1 = 1 Ω, R2 = 2 Ω, R3 = 2 Ω, R4 = 4 Ω, R5 = 1 Ω, R6 = 1 Ω, and R7 = 2 Ω.
[URL]http://img21.imageshack.us/i/prob06v2.gif/[/URL]

http://img21.imageshack.us/i/prob06v2.gif/

Homework Equations



R(parallel) 1/R(total) = 1/R1 + 1/R2
R(series) R(total) = R1 + R2

The Attempt at a Solution



I know I can do this one, its easy. But the arrangement of the resistors is throwing me off

I think I can take R3 and R4 in series, then take R5 in parallel with R3,4, take that in series with R2.

Then R7 and R6 are in series, and R7,6 is in parallel with R1. R1,7,6 in series with R2,5,3,4

Is this right?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
not 100% on this but here's my help. id do r3,4 in a series, then Rt of that with r5 in a parallel. then the rt3,4,5 with R2 in a series. r7 and r6 are a series so just add those. then i believe you can just do the 3 final resistances all in one parallel circuit.
 
Kajayacht said:
I know I can do this one, its easy. But the arrangement of the resistors is throwing me off

I think I can take R3 and R4 in series, then take R5 in parallel with R3,4, take that in series with R2.

Then R7 and R6 are in series, and R7,6 is in parallel with R1.

This is correct.

Kajayacht said:
R1,7,6 in series with R2,5,3,4

Is this right?

This is not correct.
 
After you have added together R7 and R6, you should have 3 resistors in parallel:
1. R1
2. R6 + R7
3. The resistor you got from merging R2, R3, R4 and R5

Use the parallel resistor formula on all three to get R Total

Kajayacht said:
...the arrangement of the resistors is throwing me off

When I used to have this problem, I found that redrawing the circuit makes it easier to see which resistors are in parallel :)
 
is what i wrote correct?
 
Thanks guys, I got it now. R1,7,6 should be in parallel with R2,5,3,4 not series.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K