Help solving this (simple?) circuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a circuit problem involving the calculation of voltage across specific terminals. Participants explore the configuration of resistors, including series and parallel arrangements, and the application of Ohm's law.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the 500 ohm and 2k ohm resistors are in series, proposing to combine them in parallel with a 1k ohm resistor to find the voltage.
  • Another participant questions the relationship between the 500 ohm and 1k ohm resistors.
  • A participant explains that voltage is measured across components in parallel, while current is the same in series, emphasizing the use of a meter for measurements.
  • One participant believes that the 500 ohm and 1k ohm resistors are in parallel, calculating an equivalent resistance of 333.3k ohms, and suggests that this is in series with the 2k ohm resistor, leading to a current of 1mA flowing through the equivalent resistor.
  • A later reply agrees with the previous participant's reasoning but questions the calculation of the equivalent resistance, suggesting that 333.3k ohms seems too large.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the configuration of the resistors and the resulting calculations. There is no consensus on the correctness of the calculations or the interpretation of the circuit.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the circuit configuration and the calculations of equivalent resistance. The discussion does not clarify the exact values or relationships among the components.

bjersey
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i attached a picture of a circuit and my question is what is the voltage reading for the the indicated terminals... what I am thinking is that 500 and 2k ohm resistor in series... and then combine that in parallel with the 1k resistor? then use ohms law?
 

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What can you say about 500 and 1K resistors?
 
voltage is the same in parallel while current is the same in series. (ie: when you use a meter to measure voltage you put it across your resistor, hence you're measuring in parallel. If you want to measure current you put your meter leads and make it part of the circuit)
 
so the 500 and 1k resistors are in parallel i believe? which would give me a 333.3k resistor right? then that equiv resistor is pretty much in series with the 2 k resistor... which would mean the 1mA current is also flowing through the 333.3K resistor, then i could just use ohm's law to get voltage. please let me know if this is right
 
bjersey said:
so the 500 and 1k resistors are in parallel i believe? which would give me a 333.3k resistor right? then that equiv resistor is pretty much in series with the 2 k resistor... which would mean the 1mA current is also flowing through the 333.3K resistor, then i could just use ohm's law to get voltage. please let me know if this is right

That's correct.

See if you can double check your calculation, 333.3k sounds too large?
 

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