Resistance in a combination circuit

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the resistance of resistor MN in a combination circuit. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding series and parallel resistor combinations, providing equations for each configuration. One user initially struggles with drawing the circuit diagram but receives guidance on visualizing current paths and combining resistances. After clarifying the arrangement of resistors, the user successfully determines the resistance in MN, which was experimentally found to be 211 ohms. The conversation highlights the significance of accurate diagram representation in solving circuit problems.
wahaj
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Homework Statement


Find the resistance in resistor MN. Diagram is attached


Homework Equations



in series circuit
R = R1+R2+R2+...Rn
in parallel circuit
\frac{1}{R} = \frac{1}{R_1}+\frac{1}{R_2}+\frac{1}{R_3}+... \frac{1}{R_n}

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea on how to get started. I was able to find the resistance between points K and L but I can't seem to make sense of how to draw a diagram for this. I just need a hint to get me started
 

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wahaj said:

Homework Statement


Find the resistance in resistor MN. Diagram is attached

Homework Equations



in series circuit
R = R1+R2+R2+...Rn
in parallel circuit
\frac{1}{R} = \frac{1}{R_1}+\frac{1}{R_2}+\frac{1}{R_3}+... \frac{1}{R_n}

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea on how to get started. I was able to find the resistance between points K and L but I can't seem to make sense of how to draw a diagram for this. I just need a hint to get me started
Do all the resistors have the same resistance?
 
no all the resistances are different. I actually just wanted a better understanding of how to solve this kind of problem rather than solve this specific problem. The resistance in MN is 211 and was determined experimentally. I have to do a series/parallel analysis on the circuit to find the resistance in MN and see if the 2 resistances match within error range
 
Do you need the total resistance between nodes M and N?

Draw the M node at the top and the N node at the bottom - imagine you put a battery with the + terminal at M and the negative at N ans see where the current can go. There are three possible paths. See now?
 
ok I got it thanks
 
How to combine them depends on the two points you pick. You want the resistance between K and L, yes? clearly MO, OP, PN are in series, so combine those first. How do you think you should combine the net of that with MN? Then with KM and NL?
 
I actually figured it out. It turns out I had the diagram drawn a bit wrong. but I fixed it thanks to you help
 
How to combine them depends on the two points you pick. You want the resistance between K and L, yes? clearly MO, OP, PN are in series, so combine those first. How do you think you should combine the net of that with MN? Then with KM and NL?
 
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