Resistor and power output varying with a distance x

[Jonnyto]

Homework Statement

Figure 29 shows a battery connected across a uniform resistor R₀. A sliding contact can move across the resistor from x=0 at the left to x=10 cm at the right. Find an expression for the power dissipated in the resistor R as a function of x. Plot the function for ℰ=50 V, R=2000Ω , and R₀=100Ω

Homework Equations

P=[itex]\frac{V²}{R}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution

I have no clue at all on how to solve this problem. I think that it might have to do with how resistors are adding up in parallel. I really can't see which one is in parallel. I don't see how to determine the resistance with the varying x.

 

[voko]

This circuit is equivalent to three resistors: Rl, Rr, and R. Rl and Rr are the left and right, correspondingly, parts of Ro; their values depend on x. Solve for voltage at R and current through it.

 

[SammyS]

It's helpful to post a full size image if it's not too large.

 

[arifz2303]

may be this be help..
$R_{total}=(R // R_{p}) + R_{s})$

just as Voko said #2

 

[mujoag]

Complex

may be this be help..
$r_{total}=(r // r_{p}) + r_{s})$




just as voko said #2

please explain more about the problem