How Does Electric Current Flow Through a Resistor in a Parallel Battery Circuit?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the flow of electric current through a resistor in a circuit with two parallel-connected batteries, each having internal resistances. The focus is on understanding the configuration of the circuit and applying relevant electrical laws.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for resistances in parallel but expresses uncertainty about the next steps. Participants question the configuration of the circuit, specifically whether the internal resistances can be treated as parallel resistors alongside the external resistor.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the circuit setup and discussing the application of Kirchhoff's laws. There is a recognition of the need to differentiate between internal and external resistances, and some guidance has been provided regarding writing branch voltage equations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a lack of information regarding the battery voltages, which may affect the analysis. There is also a mention of potential confusion regarding the treatment of internal resistances in relation to the external resistor.

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Homework Statement



Two parallel connected batteries with internal electrical resistances R1 and R2 are connected with a resistance R of 5 ohm. Which electric current flows through R.

Homework Equations


U=I*R

U= voltage
R= resistance
I= electric current


The Attempt at a Solution



Hi everyone,

I have some trouble with this exercise as I'm fairly new to electrodynamics. The only idea I got so far was to sum the resistances as you do it when they are parallel connected:

1/R=1/R1+1/R2...

But then I have no idea how to go on. I could just calculate the R and insert it to the given formula I wrote down, but I'm far away from a specific answer to my question.
Can anyone give me some hints how I can solve this? Is there anything I'm missing?

Sorry for my bad english and for my lack of LaTex skill.

Thanks for your answers in advance.

Regards lindsayyyy
 
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Does the attached figure match your circuit? Are the battery voltages, V1 and V2 equal?

Note that there are no parallel resistors in this circuit. There are two loops to solve using Kircchoff's voltage law, or if you prefer, a single node with three branches using the nodal method with branch currents.
 

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Thanks for your answer, your attached file looks like it should be. Sorry for forgetting a drawing of the problem.
The voltages are the same I guess, none are given at least.

edit: no parallel resistors? hm. Do I have to make a difference between inner resistors and the one with 5 ohm ? Am I not allowed to treach them as parallel ones?
 
Lindsayyyy said:
Thanks for your answer, your attached file looks like it should be. Sorry for forgetting a drawing of the problem.
The voltages are the same I guess, none are given at least.

edit: no parallel resistors? hm. Do I have to make a difference between inner resistors and the one with 5 ohm ? Am I not allowed to treach them as parallel ones?

They are not parallel: none of the resistors are connected to each other at both ends.

You can write branch voltage equations for the three branches that connect at node A using the currents as indicated, and solve the resulting equations for the desired current, I3.
 

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