Potential difference calculation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of potential difference in electrical circuits, emphasizing that in idealized scenarios, a wire is considered 'perfect'. This means that the potential at any point along the wire is uniform, ensuring that connected components, such as resistors A and B, maintain the same potential. This principle is crucial for solving basic electrical problems accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including voltage and potential difference.
  • Familiarity with Ohm's Law and its applications.
  • Knowledge of circuit components, specifically resistors.
  • Basic grasp of electrical circuit theory and ideal conditions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of 'ideal wires' in electrical engineering.
  • Learn about the implications of potential difference in series and parallel circuits.
  • Explore the effects of resistance on potential difference using Ohm's Law.
  • Investigate real-world applications of electrical circuit theory in engineering.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, educators teaching circuit theory, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of potential difference in electrical circuits.

ellieee
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Homework Statement
for the 2 resistors in parallel, is is true that only need to find p.d across one of them (eg. (5.0)(1.0)=5.0V) to determine the p.d across both parallel resistors ? in this case (2.0.)(2.5) = (5.0)(1.0), but what If the p.d across resistor A not equal to that of B, then which resistor do you calculate the p.d of?
Relevant Equations
V=IR
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That cannot happen.
 
For these types of school problems, a wire is considered to be 'perfect'; specifically that is: "The potential at any point on a wire is the same as the potential at any other point on that wire."

Keeping that in mind, since the respective ends of the two resistors A and B are connected by wire, they are at exactly the same potential.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Tom
 
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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