How will the voltage, current and resistance be distributed

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on understanding the distribution of voltage, current, and resistance in a compound circuit. The user seeks clarification on calculating total resistance, particularly when dealing with resistors that may be in both series and parallel configurations. Guidance is provided on identifying pairs of resistors that can be simplified using standard rules for series and parallel resistors. The user successfully resolves their questions during the lab session, indicating that the insights shared were helpful. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of methodical analysis in circuit calculations.
Buggsy GC
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I have a lab to work through tomorrow morning and i need to be able to explain how the voltage, current and resistance in the compound circuit diagram below is distributed, and write an equation which can be used to measure the total resistance of the circuit. I know that when you normally try and calculate the compound resistance of a circuit you go Rtotal = Rseries + 1/Rparallel, but I don't know if Resistor bulb (R1) is parallel as well as series, and if it is, how do I calculate that.
 

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Buggsy GC said:
I have a lab to work through tomorrow morning and i need to be able to explain how the voltage, current and resistance in the compound circuit diagram below is distributed, and write an equation which can be used to measure the total resistance of the circuit. I know that when you normally try and calculate the compound resistance of a circuit you go Rtotal = Rseries + 1/Rparallel, but I don't know if Resistor bulb (R1) is parallel as well as series, and if it is, how do I calculate that.
Take it in steps.
Can you find two resistors that are definitely parallel with no complications (i.e. each joins to the other at each end)? If so, replace that pair with a single equivalent resistor using the usual parallel resistor rule.
If not, can you find two that are in series with no complications (i.e. one end of one joins to one end of the other, with nothing else joining at that point)? If so, replace the pair with single equivalent resistor.
Continue that process until only one resistor left.
 
So for example if all the resistors are 4 ohms, then R1 and R3 will be 2 ohms total and then I just add 4 ohms last as the total for the series ohms e.g. 6V Rtotal= Rs+1/Rp. 4+1/1/2 = total resistance of the circuit.
 
Buggsy GC said:
then R1 and R3 will be 2 ohms total
No, those two resistors do not satisfy the conditions I gave for two in parallel with no complications. They are joined directly at one end but not at the other.
Try some other pair.
 
haruspex said:
No, those two resistors do not satisfy the conditions I gave for two in parallel with no complications. They are joined directly at one end but not at the other.
Try some other pair.
we sorted it out in the lab, thank you very much for your insight
 

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