Finding the current in a resistor

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the current in a circuit with resistors arranged in series and parallel. The original poster describes their approach to calculating the equivalent resistance and the total current flowing through the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the total current using Ohm's law after determining the equivalent resistance of the circuit. They express uncertainty about how to find the current specifically through the 2-ohm resistor and question how the current splits between the resistors in parallel.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the behavior of current in parallel circuits and discussing how to apply Ohm's law to find the current through individual branches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the flow of current in relation to resistance, but no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations for the 2-ohm resistor.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to the original circuit diagram and specific resistor values, with participants checking assumptions about current distribution in parallel branches. There is an emphasis on verifying calculations and ensuring the total current remains consistent with the applied voltage.

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Homework Statement


I have the picture attached.




Homework Equations


I = V/R


The Attempt at a Solution



I labelled the 2ohm and the 1ohm resisters in series (R1 and R2). Labelled 5ohm and 1 ohm in series R3, R4. So i found the Req

So R1 and R2 are in series so add them 2+1 = 3ohm. And R3 and R4 are in series so 5+1 = 6ohm. Then I found Req using 1/Req =
1/3ohm + 1/6ohm = 3/6 ohm, then inverse to get Req = 2ohm. And the final resistor is in series so add 4ohm + 2 ohm = 6 ohm in total for the circuit.

Then I did I=V/R

I = 12v/6ohm = 2A.

So that's the current for the entire circuit. How do I Find the current of the 2ohm resistor, when its going up the path.. does the 2A just split into the 2ohm and 5ohm resistors so it's just 1ohm going to the 2ohm resistor?
 

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Workout said:
So that's the current for the entire circuit. How do I Find the current of the 2ohm resistor, when its going up the path.. does the 2A just split into the 2ohm and 5ohm resistors so it's just 1ohm going to the 2ohm resistor?
The 2A is what flows through the 4Ω resistor and into the parallel resistors.
How do you determine the current through parallel resistors?
 
http://www.physics.uoguelph.ca/tutorials/ohm/Q.ohm.example.parallel.html
this may be of help :)
 
Last edited:
More current will flow to the branch with less resistance in a parallel circuit.

Total Current 2A

simplify the parallel branch as 3ohms vs 6 ohms, as (2+1) in series and (5+1) in series.

voltage across the main branch = 2A x 2ohms = 4V
because total resistance of the parallel branch is 2ohms.

reality check when the current is coming out from the parallel branch = 2A x 4ohms = 8V

yes, 8+4= supply 12V

Now apply ohm's law again,

current for the parallel branch 1= 4V / (2+1ohms) = 1.33A
current for the parallel branch 2= 4V / (5+1ohms) = 0.67A

Reality check = 1.33 + 0.67 = 2A
Reality check = 8V / 4ohms = 2A
yes, 2A is your total current. The answer also proved that my first quote is correct.
 
Last edited:
Thank you!
 

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