How to Calculate Power Dissipation in Resistors?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate power dissipation in resistors, the correct formula is p = I^2 * R, where I is the current through the resistor and R is its resistance. The calculated currents are I1 = 0.8409 A, I2 = -0.4545 A, and I3 = 0.39 A. Using the formula, the power dissipated in R1 is 0.7071 W, R2 is 0.41314 W, and R3 is 0.4563 W. It is important to note that while negative currents yield positive power values when squared, the calculation should always multiply the square of the current by the resistance. The discussion confirms the calculations and seeks clarification on how the currents were determined.
charger9198
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Calculate the power dissipated in R1, R2 and R



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Fig1.jpg




Previously i worked out the Current I1, I2 and I3 so i planned to use this to calculate the power dissipated;

For current i got;

I1= 0.8409 A
I2= -0.4545 A
I3= 0.39 A

I used I^2/R to get the following answers

R1 = 0.8409^2 / 1 = 0.7071 W
R2 = -0.4545^2 / 2 = -0.4131 W
R3 = 0.39^2 / 3 = 0.4563 W
 
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Think about these I*V=watts V=I*R
 
charger9198 said:
R1 = 0.8409^2 / 1 = 0.7071 W
R2 = -0.4545^2 / 2 = -0.4131 W
R3 = 0.39^2 / 3 = 0.4563 W

A negative real number squared gives a positive result!
 
Of course...

R1 = 0.8409^2 / 1 = 0.7071 W
R2 = -0.4545^2 / 2 = 0.2066 W
R3 = 0.39^2 / 3 = 0.4563 W

Am i on the right lines with this?
 
You were right first time I should have checked but your notation fooled me / usually means divide * is multiply.
 
First, the power is p = V2/R or p = I2R. Since you are using currents and resistances the second equation applies here. So you should be MULTIPLYING the square of the currents by the resistance values, not dividing as you've indicated. Recheck the results with this in mind.
 
so

p=(I^2)R

thus

(0.8409^2)*1 = 0.70711 W
(-0.4545^2)*2 = 0.41314 W
(0.39^2)*3 = 0.4563 W

Hopefully that's it!
 
charger9198 said:
so

p=(I^2)R

thus

(0.8409^2)*1 = 0.70711 W
(-0.4545^2)*2 = 0.41314 W
(0.39^2)*3 = 0.4563 W

Hopefully that's it!

Yes, that looks good for the given resistances and currents.
 
Thanks for your help
 
  • #10
charger, can you show me how you worked out those currents?
 
  • #11
stemurdo said:
charger, can you show me how you worked out those currents?
Discussion of this circuit in this thread.
 
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