Find the equivalent resistance for the circuit in the figure.

AI Thread Summary
To find the equivalent resistance of the circuit, it's important to accurately identify the configuration of the resistors. The leftmost and rightmost resistors are not in parallel as initially thought; they are separated by a central resistor. A Delta-Y transformation or circuit analysis methods like KCL or KVL can be employed to solve for the total current and resistance. Understanding the symmetry in the circuit can also simplify the analysis, particularly regarding the voltage across the central resistor. Starting with basic circuit analysis techniques is recommended for clarity and accuracy.
Patdon10
Messages
85
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the equivalent resistance for the circuit in the figure. (Use the following as necessary: Vemf, R.)

Homework Equations


V=IR


The Attempt at a Solution



This problem isn't that hard, but I'm having trouble trying to visualize how to combine the resistors. The 2 most left Resistors are in parallel, as are the 2 most right ones. Those 4 are all in series with the middle resistor. How can you split it? I can't visualize it. Can anyone give me a hint?
 

Attachments

  • 26-p-026.gif
    26-p-026.gif
    3.2 KB · Views: 664
Physics news on Phys.org
Patdon10 said:
This problem isn't that hard, but I'm having trouble trying to visualize how to combine the resistors. The 2 most left Resistors are in parallel, as are the 2 most right ones. Those 4 are all in series with the middle resistor. How can you split it? I can't visualize it. Can anyone give me a hint?

The two most left resistors are not in parallel. Neither are the two rightmost resistors. In order to be in parallel, each end of each resistor in a pair must be directly tied together, with no other components in between. In the diagram, the central resistor is between one end of the "paired" resistors.

You can approach this problem either by employing a Δ - Y transformation (look up Delta-Y transformation), or by using one of several circuit analysis methods involving KCL or KVL equations to find the total current, I, drawn from the voltage source. The resistance of the circuit would then be Vemf/I.

If you're clever you might be able to conclude something about the voltage potential across the central resistor (symmetry of the circuit helps), then draw a further conclusion about the current flowing through it and what it implies about its affect on the overall circuit. Certain obvious simplifications would then make your life much easier :smile:.

Probably best to start with the basic circuit analysis methods and then see how the results jibe with an 'intuitive' approach.
 
you can also use http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheatstone_bridge" method ... its quite simpler than Δ - Y, KCL, KVL
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Find the equivalent resistance of this circuit
Replies
31
Views
4K
Equivalent resistance of a circuit
Replies
3
Views
2K
How can I calculate the equivalent resistance of this circuit?
Replies
9
Views
2K
Can I find a general solution to this circuit?
Replies
3
Views
1K
How to find the equivalent resistance of this infinite circuit?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Total equivalent resistance of a combined circuit
Replies
7
Views
2K
The equivalent resistance for the resistors in this circuit?
Replies
5
Views
2K
How to calculate the equivalent resistance in this Circuit?
Replies
33
Views
3K
Calculate the equivalent resistance
Replies
11
Views
2K
Electrical Circuits - Parallel vs. Series
Replies
14
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top