# Homework Help: How to find the current and equivalent resistance in a parallel circuit

1. Mar 1, 2009

### itsmarasilly

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Three 16 ohm resistors are connected in parallel and placed across a 34 V battery.
(a) What is the equivalent resistance of the parallel circuit?
(b) What is the current delivered by the battery?

2. Relevant equations

(a) (1/equivalent resistance) = 1/R1+1/R2+1/R3+...
(b) I=V/R

3. The attempt at a solution

(a) (1/16)+(1/16)+(1/16) = (3/16)
equivalent resistance = (3/16)
(b) (34 V / 48 ohm) = .7917 amps

2. Mar 1, 2009

### Niles

For resistors in parallel we have that:

$$1/R_{total} = 1/R_1+1/R_2+1/R_3 + \ldots,$$

so you need to take the inverse of the result you gave.

For (b), use the answer from (a) and the expression you correctly wrote: I = V/R.

3. Mar 1, 2009

### S_Happens

Compare your a) relevant equation to your a) solution attempt. There is something very simple missing.

b) You must find the correct resistance in part a) to solve.

Edit- Niles beat me