Finding parallel or in-series resistors

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concept of parallel resistors, specifically addressing the configuration of a 45 ohm resistor and a 15 ohm resistor. It establishes that these resistors are indeed in parallel due to their common connection points, despite their physical arrangement in the circuit diagram. The correct formula for calculating the total resistance in parallel is confirmed as 1/Rtotal = 1/45 + 1/15. The conversation emphasizes that the physical layout of resistors does not affect their electrical connections, which is crucial for accurate circuit analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical circuit diagrams
  • Knowledge of Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with the concept of resistance in series and parallel
  • Ability to apply the parallel resistor formula
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of circuit analysis using Kirchhoff's laws
  • Learn about the implications of zero resistance in connecting wires
  • Explore practical applications of parallel and series resistor configurations
  • Investigate the effects of resistor placement on circuit performance
USEFUL FOR

Electronics students, electrical engineers, hobbyists building circuits, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of resistor configurations in electrical systems.

Ineedhelpwithphysics
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Homework Statement
Find the reading of the idealized ammeter if the battery has an internal resistance of 3.06 Ω
Relevant Equations
Series Equation:
1/R = 1/R1 +..... 1/Rn
I cannot understand why the 45 ohm resistor is parallel to the 15 ohm resistor. It's been defined that if two or more resistors are in parallel they same common connection points. I don't see these connections points. Is the junction point after the ammeter signifying that the 45 ohm and 15 ohm resistor are in parallel hence I can use the parallel resistor equation

1/Rtotal = 1/45 + 1/15.

I thought they where all in series but the answer was wrong.




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The connecting wires are deemed to have zero resistance, so the E shaped system of wires connecting the left sides of those two resistors and the left side of the battery are effectively a single point. Likewise the backward E on the right side.
 
In Parallel.png
I only moved the 15 Ω resistor from the bottom of the circuit diagram to the top. Does it look like it is in parallel with the 45 Ω resistor now?
 
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These are all the same circuit, with the same solution. What matters is how things are connected, not how they are located on the page.

PXL_20241023_202345937~2.jpg
 

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