How Do You Calculate Current in Series-Parallel Circuits?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating current in series-parallel circuits, specifically with resistors R1, R2, and R3. R2 and R3 are configured in parallel, while R1 is in series with this parallel combination. To determine the total circuit current, one must first calculate the equivalent resistance of R2 and R3 using the parallel resistance formula. Subsequently, the current divider rule is applied to find the individual currents through R2 and R3.

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  • Understanding of Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with series and parallel resistor configurations
  • Knowledge of the current divider rule
  • Ability to calculate equivalent resistance in parallel circuits
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Gerard
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Could someone please show me how I would go about finding the current over each of these resistors.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7983/physicszb8.jpg

I never seem to series-parallel circuits right.=(

thanks in advance.
 
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R2 and R3 are in parallel and this parallel combination is in series with R1. First find equivalent of R2 and R3 in parallel.
 
Well looking at the circuit. R1 is in series with the rest of the circuit. This means the the current through R1 is the same as...?

Find the total circuit current. From the schematic, it should be obvious that the parallel combination of R2 and R3 receive the total circuit current. So to find individual currents in the parallel branches, use the current divider rule.
 

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