How to Calculate Battery Voltage from Resistor Power Dissipation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the battery voltage based on the power dissipation of a resistor in a circuit, specifically a 33-ohm resistor dissipating 0.50 W. The participants are exploring the relationship between power, voltage, and current in the context of electrical circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the equations V=IR and P=IV, expressing confusion about how to incorporate the power dissipation into their calculations. There is an attempt to clarify the relationship between power, voltage, and current, with some suggesting the use of the equation P=I²R.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been provided regarding the equations that relate power, current, and resistance. One participant indicates that they have figured out the problem with the help received, suggesting that the discussion has been productive, although not all participants have reached a resolution.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of confusion regarding the application of power in the context of the problem, indicating that participants are grappling with the implications of the given power dissipation in their calculations.

crh
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Homework Statement



In the circuit shown, the 33-ohm resistor dissipates 0.50 W. What is the battery voltage?

http://phga.pearsoncmg.com/phga2/web/Giancoli6e/Public_Html/Chapter19/Aadxevw0.gif

Homework Equations



I am pretty sure that I use the equation V=IR, but I am not for sure how to go about using the 0.50W in the equation. At first I thought that I used P=IV for electric power, but I am just confused.

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't even know what equation to exactly use because the watts are throwing me off.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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crh said:

Homework Statement



In the circuit shown, the 33-ohm resistor dissipates 0.50 W. What is the battery voltage?

http://phga.pearsoncmg.com/phga2/web/Giancoli6e/Public_Html/Chapter19/Aadxevw0.gif

Homework Equations



I am pretty sure that I use the equation V=IR, but I am not for sure how to go about using the 0.50W in the equation. At first I thought that I used P=IV for electric power, but I am just confused.

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't even know what equation to exactly use because the watts are throwing me off.

You should know from Watts = V*I and V= I*R that Watts = I2R
Watts is your equation for P = Power.

So knowing the watts of a resistor let's you figure out the current.

Knowing the current and figuring the equivalent resistance for the 3 resistors through the V=I*R tells you the voltage of the supply.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thank you, I figured it out with your help.
 
crh said:
thank you, I figured it out with your help.

Good luck then.
 

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