How can I simplify this mixed resistors circuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying a mixed resistors circuit to calculate the equivalent resistance Rab. Participants explore various methods, including delta to star conversion, while expressing uncertainty about the approaches and the problem's complexity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to approach the calculation due to the presence of a vertical 30 ohm resistor.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need to follow a specific template and show attempts for clarity.
  • A participant initially considers calculating the 30 ohm and 20 ohm resistors in parallel but later realizes this approach is complicated by the circuit's configuration.
  • Discussion includes the idea of using a delta to star conversion, with one participant identifying a delta connection in the circuit and providing calculations for the star resistors.
  • Participants calculate the equivalent resistance of the circuit, with one stating a result of 17.6 ohms, while another corrects this to 17.1 ohms.
  • One participant questions whether there is a simpler method to solve the problem, expressing concern about the lack of exposure to delta and star connections in their lectures.
  • Another participant asserts that there is no alternative method unless the circuit configuration were different, referencing the concept of a balanced Wheatstone bridge.
  • A participant mentions that the circuit discussed is an upgraded version of an earlier problem they encountered.
  • One participant shares a link to an external resource as a potential alternative approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement. While some calculations and methods are accepted, there is no consensus on whether a simpler solution exists, and participants express differing views on the necessity of certain approaches.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the circuit's configuration and the assumptions made regarding resistor connections. There are unresolved questions about the applicability of delta and star transformations in this specific context.

TheColector
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Member advised to use the homework template for posts in the homework sections of PF.
Hi
I am to calculate Rab of the circuit and I have no idea on how to approach this problem. It would have been all nice and eaasy if it weren't for the vertival 30 ohm resistor. Because of this I'm in a dark spot. I will appreciate any help.
ob.png
 
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You need to fill up the three-part template and show your attempt. It is mandatory here in the HH section.
 
Ofc you are right. Firstly I thought of calculating 30 and 20 ohms resistors as a parrarel connection and to do so with 2x 10 resistors. How wrong I had been I thought. Then I looked a it again and tried to calculate a parrarel conncection of a vertical resistor which is 30ohm with the one on the bottom right side(30ohm). Well, I couldn't do that either because there is 20 ohm resistor on the upper right side. Having no idea what to do next I saw "Y" connection of the 3 resistors(2 cases actually) 30,30,10 or 30,20,10(one vertical 30ohm with two on the bottom or upper side resistors. I didn't even start changi it to delta configuration because there must be another simpler way(I actually don't even know if this approach is correct and whether one can solve it that way. It would require to redraw the circuit using delta configuration). That was my thinking process
 
TheColector said:
I didn't even start changi it to delta configuration because there must be another simpler way(I actually don't even know if this approach is correct and whether one can solve it that way. It would require to redraw the circuit using delta configuration).
How about using delta to star conversion instead? Can you spot a delta connection in the circuit?
 
Oh yes there is delta connection. On the left(10 10 30) side. Accordingly I chose to go with DELTA to STAR connection. The results are as follows:
Ra = (10×10)/(10+10+30) → Ra = 2 ohm
Rb = (10*30)/(10+10+30) → Rb = 6 ohm
Rc = (10*30)/(10+10+30) → Rc = 6 ohm
With these figures I calculate 2x series connection of resistors [30 +6(Rc) and 20 + 6(Rb)], parrarel connection of both comes next and final serie-connection [2(Ra) + simplified Rb,Rc,30,20 resistors calculated above.
All of that equals 17.6 ohm as a resistance of the whole circuit.
ob upd.png
 
TheColector said:
All of that equals 17.6 ohm as a resistance of the whole circuit.
Your simplified circuit is correct but the equivalent resistance comes out to be 17.1 ohm.
 
Of corse yoy are right. I eneter wrong number :D
I'm most grateful for your help. Nevertheless I wonder if there is another way to solve this(not using voltage source calculating currents etc.). It is strange because my lecturer gave my group this particular scheme to think about and try to solve. We have had neither delta nor star resistors connections during lectures so that makes me think there should be another, simpler way to solve this. Thanks again
 
There is no other way. (If the 20 ohm resistance were 30 ohms instead, the circuit would be a balanced Wheatstone bridge, meaning you can omit the middle 30 ohm resistor).
 
That was actually the first circuit. The one I had problem with was its upgrade :D
 
  • #10
TheColector said:
Of corse yoy are right. I eneter wrong number :D
I'm most grateful for your help. Nevertheless I wonder if there is another way to solve this(not using voltage source calculating currents etc.). It is strange because my lecturer gave my group this particular scheme to think about and try to solve. We have had neither delta nor star resistors connections during lectures so that makes me think there should be another, simpler way to solve this. Thanks again

Here's another way: http://www.hallikainen.com/rw/theory/theory6.html
 
  • #11
Much appreciated THANKS !
 

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