Equivalent Resistance: To Include or Not to Include r5 and r6?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the equivalent resistance between two points in a circuit, specifically whether to include resistances r5 and r6 in the calculations. Participants are exploring the implications of open circuits on current flow and resistance contribution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning whether r5 and r6 should be included in the equivalent resistance calculation, considering their status as open circuits. There is a focus on understanding the conditions under which current flows through these resistors.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights about current flow and resistance contribution. Some guidance has been offered regarding the necessity of a closed circuit for current to flow, but no consensus has been reached on the specific roles of r5 and r6.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions of open circuits and their effects on current flow, which may influence their calculations of equivalent resistance.

sniderman
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Homework Statement


Trying to find equivalent resistance between points a and b.Dont know whether to include resistances r5 and r6.

Thanks


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Im not sure what to do with the resistances r5 and r6in the open circuits are they apart of the calculations? i think they are not because nothing should be flowing threw them.
without them i got 1.6 ohms for a equivalent resistance
 

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sniderman said:

Homework Statement


Trying to find equivalent resistance between points a and b.Dont know whether to include resistances r5 and r6.

Thanks


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Im not sure what to do with the resistances r5 and r6in the open circuits are they apart of the calculations? i think they are not because nothing should be flowing threw them.
without them i got 1.6 ohms for a equivalent resistance

Welcome to the PF.

Imagine connecting a resistance meter (DVM) between points a and b. That will put a voltage across those 2 points, which will cause currents to flow in some of the resistors. If points c and d are floating during this measurement, will there be any currents through R5 and R6?
 
i want to say that there is no current through those wires, because their not connected to anything making them open circuits?
 
If no current flows through a component then it will not contribute to the resistance.
 
ok, but is there current flowing in r5 and r6
 
sniderman said:
ok, but is there current flowing in r5 and r6

Where would it flow to? You need a CIRCUIT (closed path) for current to flow.
 

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