How Do You Calculate Current and Power in Parallel Resistors?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating current and power in a circuit with two resistors, specifically 42 ohms and 64 ohms, connected in parallel. The original poster presents a scenario where the current through the 64-ohm resistor is known, and they seek to determine the current through the other resistor and the total power supplied.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the overall resistance of resistors in parallel and the implications for calculating current and power. Questions arise regarding the sufficiency of information provided to solve the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in parallel circuits. There is an acknowledgment of the need to assume the same voltage across both resistors, and some guidance has been provided on how to approach the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, including the need for additional information to fully resolve the current and power calculations. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the adequacy of the given data.

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Homework Statement



2) 2 resistors, 42 and 64 ohms, are connected in parallel. The current through the 64 resistor is 3A. Determine the current in the other esistor and what is the total power supplied by the two resistors?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




2) How could i possibly have enough info to do this one?
 
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1, Whats the overall resistance of 2 resistors in parallel (extend this to 3 resistors)?
 
The resistance is not the same if the pieces are connected in parallel.

Resistors connected in parallel follow the law

1/(R.total)=1/(R.1)+1/(R.2)+1/(R.3)...

Where R.total is the total resistanse and R.1 is the resistanse of the first resistor, R.2 is the resistanse of the second resistor etc. etc.
 
thanks figured that one out, can you help me with the second one?
 
Assume the same voltage across both resistors.
Then V=IR for the known and I =V/R for the unknown.
(it should also be obvious how to skip a step)
 

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