Finding the currrent of the circuit

  • Thread starter Thread starter yjk91
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Circuit
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the current in a circuit with resistors when a switch is closed. The user successfully determined the current with the switch open but finds the closed switch scenario confusing. They attempted to combine resistors in parallel but struggled to find the correct approach. Another participant clarifies that the bottom resistor and 1-ohm resistor are in parallel, as well as the top resistor and the 5-ohm resistor, suggesting a method to calculate the total resistance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying resistor configurations to solve for current.
yjk91
Messages
73
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


What is the current in the circuit shown in the figure for the following? (Let R = 1 Ω and V = 12 V. Calculate the total current drawn from the battery.)
http://www.webassign.net/bauerphys1/25-p-048-alt.gif

1. what is the current when the switch is closed



The Attempt at a Solution


i had to find the current when the switch is open which is easy because it's just two series which are parallel which turn into one series

but when it's closed it is really confusing I've tried to do it several ways but i cannot determine which way i can do it. i tried adding the R1 and 5 ohms first using parallel but it wouldn't work. can you tell me a way to add the resistors?
thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
When it's closed, the bottom R and 1 are in parallel. Same as top R and 5. Then add up their resistances.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Why do the headlights on the car become dim when the car is starting?
Replies
4
Views
2K
RCL series circuit analysis: Damping Constant
Replies
1
Views
670
Not a typical RL circuit...
Replies
4
Views
202
Ohm's Law - Finding Source Voltage
Replies
3
Views
1K
How is the slider connected to the switch?
Replies
6
Views
804
Determining Current Direction in a Charging RC Circuit
Replies
1
Views
2K
Current through an inductor as a function of time
Replies
10
Views
372
Why Do Capacitors Behave Differently in Series and Parallel Configurations?
Replies
20
Views
2K
Current through a circuit when the key is open
Replies
42
Views
5K
Homework assignment that I was able to solve using EDO, but need to use Laplace now
Replies
5
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top