How to Calculate Net Resistance in an Infinite Sequence of Resistors?

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To calculate the net resistance between points A and B in an infinite sequence of resistors R1 (12Ω) and R2 (3.75Ω), the equivalent resistance formula is used. The initial attempt suggested that adding the resistances leads to infinity, which is incorrect. Instead, the quadratic equation R^2 - R1R - R1R2 = 0 is applicable, yielding a solution of 15Ω. Verification can be done by arranging resistors to confirm the result. The correct net resistance is therefore 15Ω.
diredragon
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Homework Statement


From the picture below, calculate the net resistance between points A and B if
##R_1=12##
##R_2=3.75##

Homework Equations


3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B]
I cannot think of any way but to find the equivalent resistance od ##R_1## and ##R_2## and add them up but since there are infinite number of those equivalences the resistance at the end is infinity!
##R_{12}=\frac{R_1R_2}{R_1+R_2}= 2.86##
The infinite sequence od these gives inifinity so what is wrong?
 

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diredragon said:
I cannot think of any way but
If you glance towards the foot of this page you will see links to some older PF threads which may cast light on the problem at hand.
 
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Is this a multiple choice question? If so, what are the answers to choose from?
 
The choices are 15, 15.75, 2.86, 30, 7.5, infinity.
I found the equation ##R^2 - R_1R - R_1R_2=0## on the web and it came out with 15 so i think that is the answer
 
You can easily check your answer. Arrange 12, 3.75 and 15 Ω resistors and see what the result is. :smile:
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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