Equivalent resistance of circuit

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The discussion focuses on determining the equivalent resistance between terminals A and B in a given circuit. The user identifies that the 20 ohm and 30 ohm resistors are in series, as well as the 60 ohm and 40 ohm resistors, but struggles with distinguishing parallel connections. It is clarified that resistors are in parallel if both ends are directly connected to the same points, which helps in visualizing the circuit as a figure-of-eight. The user ultimately calculates the equivalent resistance as 9.6 ohms but seeks further explanation on identifying series versus parallel configurations. Understanding these connections is crucial for accurately calculating equivalent resistance.
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Homework Statement



Find the equivalent resistance between terminals A and B for this circuit:

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/1121/1035p.png

[PLAIN]http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/1121/1035p.png

Homework Equations



I know how to add resistances in parralell and series, it's just that i can't figure out which ones are connected in parralell and which ones are in series


The Attempt at a Solution



It kind of appears that the 20 ohm and 30 ohm resistors are in series, and that 60 ohm and 40 ohm resistors are in series.

But i have no idea.

A parralell connection is one which has both ends of an element directly connected to another. This appears to be true for the 20 and 30 ohm resistors. And also for the 60 and 40 ohm resistors. But where in the circuit would i place their equivlent resistances?

So i guess the question I'm asking is more to do with how to identify which ones are parralell and which ones are in series
 
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Hi Learnphysics! :smile:

With a wire of zero resistance, you can ignore the wire and treat the two endpoints as the same point …

in this case, that makes a sort of figure-of-eight with "a" in the middle …

that should make it clear :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi Learnphysics! :smile:

With a wire of zero resistance, you can ignore the wire and treat the two endpoints as the same point …

in this case, that makes a sort of figure-of-eight with "a" in the middle …

that should make it clear :wink:

Thank you!

The equivalent resistance i got is 9.6 ohms which seems to work out.
 
Learnphysics said:
9.6 ohms
Looks good to me.
 
Sry but i still don't get it..mind to explain in more detail(how to know they are parallel or series to each other)?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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