Find the Total Current in a Single Loop Circuit

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The total current in a single loop circuit can be calculated using the formula Amps = Total Voltage / Total Resistance. In this discussion, the correct calculation involves considering the polarity of the voltage sources. The accurate current flowing through the circuit is determined to be 0.00833A, calculated as (-20 + 12 + 12 - 3) / (5 + 30 + 40 + 20 + 15 + 10). This highlights the importance of carefully analyzing the voltage sources in the circuit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with series circuit analysis
  • Knowledge of voltage source polarity
  • Basic skills in circuit diagram interpretation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Ohm's Law in complex circuits
  • Learn about series and parallel circuit configurations
  • Research the right-hand rule for magnetic fields
  • Explore advanced circuit analysis techniques using Kirchhoff's laws
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, hobbyists working on circuit design, and anyone seeking to understand current flow in electrical circuits.

Walley1
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the current flowing through the circuit.
http://wildedge.zxq.net/IMG.jpg

Homework Equations


Amps=Total Voltage / Total Resistance

The Attempt at a Solution


(20 + 12 + 12 + 3) / (10 + 5 + 30 + 40 + 20 + 15)=0.39A

I'm almost certain that this is wrong. I don't even know if the formula I used is actually valid. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

On an unrelated note, has anyone seen a good explanation of the right-hand rule (for magnetic fields)?

***Sometimes, the image might not display. I don't know why. If that happens, right click the little icon that shows in its place and copy the image URL.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Your Relevant Equation is okay, but beware that the polarity of the individual voltage sources matter; look closely at each of the battery symbols as you 'go around' the loop.
 
if you go around the loop carefully, i think the answer is (-20+12+12-3)/(5+30+40+20+15+10)=0.00833A
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K