Parallel/Series Combination Circuits

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification of resistors in a specific circuit configuration, focusing on whether certain resistors are in parallel or series. Participants explore the implications of their assumptions and seek clarification on a potentially ambiguous case.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a circuit and questions whether R3 is in parallel or series with R2, suggesting it might be an impossible case.
  • Another participant proposes that R3 and R2 are in parallel, indicating that the equivalent resistance would be calculated using the sum of the reciprocals of R2 and R3.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the flow of current and seeks verification of their assumption that R3 is parallel to R2.
  • One participant confirms the assumption that R3 is parallel to R2 and states that the two circuits discussed are identical.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of the resistors, with some asserting that R3 and R2 are parallel, while others question the validity of the circuit configuration itself. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the circuit's structure.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific circuit configurations and their interpretations, but there is a lack of consensus on the definitions and implications of the arrangement, leading to potential misunderstandings.

N2L48
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I understand the concepts of whether a resistor is in parallel or in series with each other. But I thought of a weird case that i can't seem to find examples for.

http://imgur.com/b2YMOnAIn this case, would R3 be in parallel or in series to R2? Or could this just be an impossible case?

Thanks in advance
 
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N2L48 said:
I understand the concepts of whether a resistor is in parallel or in series with each other. But I thought of a weird case that i can't seem to find examples for.

Can you do this circuit?

attachment.php?attachmentid=58292&stc=1&d=1367133626.png


How does it differ from yours?
 

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willem2 said:
Can you do this circuit?

attachment.php?attachmentid=58292&stc=1&d=1367133626.png


How does it differ from yours?

Thanks for the reply.

For that circuit, R3 and R2 would be parallel, so it would be the sum of the reciprocals of R2 and R3. Afterwards, R3+2 will be in series to R1 (Sum of both will give the Req).

My initial assumption was that the circuit I posted was the same as the one you posted, that R3 is parallel to R2, since there's more than 1 flow from R3 to R2. However I read something that confused me, and I just wanted to verify if my assumption was correct.
 
N2L48 said:
Thanks for the reply.

For that circuit, R3 and R2 would be parallel, so it would be the sum of the reciprocals of R2 and R3. Afterwards, R3+2 will be in series to R1 (Sum of both will give the Req).

My initial assumption was that the circuit I posted was the same as the one you posted, that R3 is parallel to R2, since there's more than 1 flow from R3 to R2. However I read something that confused me, and I just wanted to verify if my assumption was correct.

Yes, you're assumption was correct, and the 2 circuits are identical.
 

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