Finding Internal Resistance of a Circuit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the internal resistance of a circuit using the formula (Rt * Rint) / (Rt + Rint). The user initially assumed the total resistance (Rt) to be 26.7 kΩ by summing two resistors in series but encountered discrepancies with the textbook answer. Participants emphasized the importance of correctly positioning the digital multimeter (DMM) in the circuit and calculating the current and voltage across the appropriate resistor to determine the internal resistance accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series and parallel resistor configurations
  • Familiarity with Ohm's Law and basic circuit analysis
  • Knowledge of digital multimeter (DMM) usage and internal impedance concepts
  • Ability to interpret circuit diagrams and sketches
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate equivalent resistance in series and parallel circuits
  • Study the impact of internal resistance on circuit measurements
  • Explore the use of DMMs in measuring voltage and current in circuits
  • Review circuit sketching techniques for better visualization of electrical components
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, hobbyists working on circuit design, and anyone involved in practical electronics who needs to understand internal resistance and circuit measurement techniques.

Josh225
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Homework Statement


See image attached.

I am currently stuck on part b.

Homework Equations


(Rt) (Rint) / Rt + (Rint)

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought that Rt would be 26.7 kohms, but my answer is not matching up with the answer in the book. I am unsure why since the resistors are in series, so I figured I would just add the 2 values. Once I find that, I just plug in total resistance and internal resistance into the formula above. Then I would have to convert Mohms to kohms.
Does that sound right?

Thank you in advance
 

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Can I suggest you make a sketch circuit showing the DMM modeled as an ideal DMM and an 11M resistor.

You don't say what Rt is?
You mention resistors in series but don't say which ones you are talking about.
 
CWatters said:
Can I suggest you make a sketch circuit showing the DMM modeled as an ideal DMM and an 11M resistor.

You don't say what Rt is?
You mention resistors in series but don't say which ones you are talking about.
Im not 100% sure by what you mean by making a sketch. I thought 26.7 kilohms would be the total resistance within the circuit (by adding the 2 resistors together). If not, how would you do so?

Here is my sketch, but am unsure it this is what you were suggesting.
 

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Josh225 said:
Im not 100% sure by what you mean by making a sketch. I thought 26.7 kilohms would be the total resistance within the circuit (by adding the 2 resistors together). If not, how would you do so?

Here is my sketch, but am unsure it this is what you were suggesting.
Part (b) of the question asks you to measure V2 assuming an internal impedance of 11M in the meter. Your sketch shows the meter across the wrong resistor.

I would suggest you calculate the current in the circuit in the usual way, then calculate the voltage (theoretically) across R2. Once you have done that, measuring the voltage with the meter effectively places two resistors in parallel. So what do you think would happen to the circuit current if you change the effective resistance of R2? And if the current is different, what would happen to the voltage drop across R2, would it be the same as you calculated in part (a)?
 
Yes your sketch is exactly what I meant but as Numbskull said you have the meter across the wrong resistor.
 

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