Series and parallel circuits help

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a circuit problem involving a 20-ohm resistor and determining the current and potential difference between points X and Y. The user expresses confusion about the arrangement of the battery in parallel with resistors, questioning the voltage drop across the branches. They seek a detailed explanation of the solution process, indicating a need for clarity on circuit analysis. Suggestions include rearranging the circuit for better understanding. The conversation highlights the challenges faced when dealing with complex circuit configurations.
nothingsus
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



In the circuit shown, find the current in the 20-ohm resistor and the potential difference between points X and Y.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I've never really ran into a problem where the battery is in the parallel branches with resistors. The voltage drop of the parallel branch surely can't be 25V otherwise there would no voltage drop over the other resistors which are in series.

I am quite lost with this question. Could someone please explain in full how they got their answer?

Thanks.
 

Attachments

  • circuitol.png
    circuitol.png
    4.2 KB · Views: 407
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Rearrange/redraw the circuit so that it looks more familiar. eg with the battery on the left with +ve at the top...
 

Attachments

  • A.png
    A.png
    763 bytes · Views: 371
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top