Resistance in an octahedron between adjacent vertices

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electrical resistance between adjacent vertices in an octahedron formed by twelve identical wires, each with a resistance of 1.0 ohms. The original poster has already determined the resistance between opposite vertices but is seeking assistance with the adjacent vertices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use symmetry and equipotential points to find the resistance between adjacent vertices but is uncertain about how to approach points D and C. They have also tried applying Kirchhoff's laws without success.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging in a constructive dialogue, with one member suggesting the use of Kirchhoff's laws and another hinting at breaking the problem into parallel and series combinations. There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to approach the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of rules against using text-speak in forum posts, indicating a focus on maintaining clarity and formality in communication. The original poster's attempts and the responses suggest a lack of complete information regarding the potential at certain points in the octahedron.

Tazi
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Homework Statement


Twelve identical wires, each with resistance R = 1.0 ohms, are linked together to form a
octahedron. Find the resistance in an octahedron between opposite vertices and adjacent vertices( A,B for example)

picture

2. The attempt at a solution

I already found the resistance between opposite vertices (R/2) using symmetry and equipotential points but can't find any way to calculate the resistance between adjacent vertices. Do u have any tips for me?
 
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Hi Tazi. Welcome to Physics Forums.

One tip: Do not use text-speak on these forums ("u" rather than "you") . It's against the rules.

What have you tried so far? Show us your best effort.
 
My attempt (resistance between points A and B): potential in point E equals to potential in point F but I'm not sure what to do about points D and C. How to find potential in those points? I tried to use Kirchoff laws but didnt find anything.
 
Tazi said:
My attempt (resistance between points A and B): potential in point E equals to potential in point F but I'm not sure what to do about points D and C. How to find potential in those points? I tried to use Kirchoff laws but didnt find anything.
You can certainly get there using Kirchoff. Please show some attempt that way.
You can also go the more usual route of breaking it down into a nested combination of parallel and serial links. The first step, breaking it into two parallel paths, is obvious. After that it gets a bit tougher, but I think I see a way to use symmetry to simplify it.
 

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