Is this a parallel circuit with non-parallel resistors?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification of circuits, specifically whether certain configurations of resistors can be considered parallel circuits. Participants are examining the definitions and characteristics of parallel circuits in the context of electrical connections and resistor orientation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the importance of physical orientation versus electrical connections in determining if a circuit is parallel. They explore definitions of parallel and series connections and seek clarity on how these definitions apply to the given diagrams.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively engaging in clarifying concepts and definitions. Some have suggested that the electrical connections are the key factor, while others are exploring the implications of different configurations in the diagrams presented.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the definitions of parallel and series circuits, with participants expressing uncertainty about how to apply these definitions to the specific examples provided. The conversation reflects a mix of interpretations and assumptions regarding circuit configurations.

Coco12
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Question:
Is this a parallel circurt?

ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1389730789.854754.jpg

Revelant equations:
None required

Attempt at solution:
I know that a parallel circurt has more than one pathway for the current to flow and has resistors parallel to each other. However in both of the pictures shown, there are two parallel paths but the resistors are not parallel. Is that still considered a parallel circurt then?
 
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Coco12 said:
Question:
Is this a parallel circurt?

View attachment 65611
Relevant equations:
None required

Attempt at solution:
I know that a parallel circuit has more than one pathway for the current to flow and has resistors parallel to each other. However in both of the pictures shown, there are two parallel paths but the resistors are not parallel. Is that still considered a parallel circuit then?
Why would the physical orientation of the resistors matter? It's the electrical connections that matter.
 
SammyS said:
Why would the physical orientation of the resistors matter? It's the electrical connections that matter.
It doesn't matter? Then in the 2 pictures, which one would not be?
 
Coco12 said:
It doesn't matter? Then in the 2 pictures, which one would not be?
Do you have a more explicit definition for two resistors to be in parallel -- or in series, for that matter?
 
You're supposed to tell us that. If two resistors are in parallel, they're connected to the same two nodes in the circuit. For which of the circuits does this hold true?
 
vela said:
You're supposed to tell us that. If two resistors are in parallel, they're connected to the same two nodes in the circuit. For which of the circuits does this hold true?
Same two nodes...
 
Coco12 said:
Same two nodes...
I think maybe it would be the first one because the second has resistors in the same line, which would be similar to a series?
 
As SammyS said, it's the electrical connections that matter, not how the resistors are drawn.
 
vela said:
As SammyS said, it's the electrical connections that matter, not how the resistors are drawn.
I'm not sure I know what you mean by that.
 
  • #10
vela said:
As SammyS said, it's the electrical connections that matter, not how the resistors are drawn.
Nodes means the point where the current splits right? In the first diagram, the the resistor shares one node with the other. The second one also shares one node.
 
  • #11
vela said:
As SammyS said, it's the electrical connections that matter, not how the resistors are drawn.
Is it that in order for it to be a parallel circurt, the electrons from a branch cannot meet the load from the other, therefore the second diagram is not parallel
 
  • #12
Circuit B is definitely interesting in the way its drawn, but what if you were to draw a resister in Circuit B where the resistor is in Circuit A, and label it 0 Ohms. Does that help change your understanding of the circuit? Can an electron find a way to move from the voltage source through both resistors and back in Circuit B? Circuit A?
 

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