How to calculate the total resistance in this circuit?

In summary: The left side of the circuit is a parallel circuit while the right side is series one.The left side of the circuit is a parallel circuit while the right side is series one.
  • #1
Adel Makram
635
15

Homework Statement


How to calculate the value of total resistance RT in the shown circuit?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I used Kirchhoff` first law: i1+i2=I where i1, i2 and I are the current passing through R1, R2 and the total current in the circuit, respectively.
similarly, i4+i5=I,
i1+i3=i4
i3+i5=i2
Then I used Kirchhoff` second law,
20 i1+10 i4=V0
10 i2+20 i5=V0.
 

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  • #2
Given that you have not specified any points from which to take the Rth, you have an incomplete problem statement and as such it has no answer.
 
  • #3
phinds said:
Given that you have not specified any points from which to take the Rth, you have an incomplete problem statement and as such it has no answer.
I edited the figure after puting labels of currents and points of intersection.
 

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  • #4
I tried this as well,
considering the contour that includes i1 and i4
$$ 20 i_1 + 10 i_4=V_0 $$
considering the contour that includes i2 and i5
$$ 10 i_2 + 20 i_5=V_0$$
multiplying the second equation by 2 and collect term $$(i_1 + i_2)$$.
$$ 20(i_1 + i_2) + 10 i_4 +i_5=3V_0 $$
divide on $$ I=i_1+i_2 $$ and consider $$ R_T=\frac{V_0}{I} $$
$$ 3R_T=20+\frac{10 i_4}{I}+\frac{40 i_5}{I} $$
 
  • #5
Adel Makram said:
I edited the figure after puting labels of currents and points of intersection.
And you STILL haven't specified any points on which to base an Rth.
 
  • #6
phinds said:
And you STILL haven't specified any points on which to base an Rth.
What do you mean by specific point to base an Rth?
 
  • #7
Adel Makram said:
What do you mean by specific point to base an Rth?
Do you understand what a Thevenin Equivalent circuit IS? When your question said find Rt, and there is no Rt specified in your diagram, I assumed you meant Rth, the Thevenin Equivalent resistance. Did you mean something else?
 
  • #8
I meant the total resistance of the circuit.
 
  • #9
Adel Makram said:
I meant the total resistance of the circuit.
Based on what ?

If you mean what is seen by the power supply, you have to say so. If that is what you mean then you would profit by looking up delta-Y transforms.
 
Last edited:
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Likes Adel Makram
  • #10
That is great thank you.
So transforming Δ circuit to Y circuit as in the diagram,
Transforming the Δ component on the right side of the circuit to Y-component yields,
$$R_1=\frac{R_a R_c}{R_a+R_b+R_c}$$
$$R_2=\frac{R_b R_c}{R_a+R_b+R_c}$$
$$R_3=\frac{R_a R_b}{R_a+R_b+R_c}$$
so, $$R_1=\frac{10}{4}$$
$$R_2=5$$
$$R_3=5$$
simplifying the circuit now yields,
the left side of the circuit is a parallel circuit while the right side is series one.
the resistance of the left side is $$R=\frac{(20+\frac{10}{4})(15)}{(20+\frac{10}{4})+(15)}=9$$
summing to the right side of the circuit with a R=5 yields 9+5=14.
 

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  • #11
I didn't check your calculations, but that's definitely the right way to do it.
 

1. How do I determine the total resistance in a series circuit?

In a series circuit, the total resistance is equal to the sum of all individual resistances. This means you simply need to add up all the resistance values in the circuit to get the total resistance.

2. Can I use Ohm's Law to calculate the total resistance?

Yes, Ohm's Law (V = IR) can be used to calculate the total resistance in a circuit. Simply rearrange the equation to solve for R (resistance) by dividing the voltage (V) by the current (I).

3. How do I calculate the total resistance in a parallel circuit?

In a parallel circuit, the total resistance is calculated by using the formula 1/R(total) = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 ... where R1, R2, R3, etc. are the individual resistance values. Once you have the sum of all the reciprocal values, take the inverse to get the total resistance.

4. What is the effect of adding a resistor in series or parallel?

Adding a resistor in series will increase the total resistance in the circuit, causing the current to decrease. Adding a resistor in parallel will decrease the total resistance, causing the current to increase.

5. Can I use Kirchhoff's Laws to calculate total resistance?

Yes, Kirchhoff's Laws can be used to calculate the total resistance in a circuit. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law states that the sum of all voltage drops in a closed loop circuit is equal to the sum of the voltage sources. Kirchhoff's Current Law states that the sum of all currents entering and exiting a node in a circuit is equal to zero.

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