So, i can find my notes andlike, now please

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the rules and calculations for parallel and series circuits, specifically focusing on current, voltage, and resistance in preparation for a physics test. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical explanations related to circuit theory.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help with the rules for parallel and series circuits, expressing urgency due to an upcoming test.
  • Another participant suggests that searching online may provide more distraction than help, implying that the forum may not be the best resource at this time.
  • A participant mentions that previous online searches yielded unhelpful results, indicating a need for clearer explanations.
  • Several participants recommend reviewing Kirchhoff's laws (junction and loop rule) and suggest using textbooks and practice problems for better understanding.
  • Specific rules for series circuits are outlined, including that current remains constant, voltage drops sum to the source voltage, and resistances add together.
  • For parallel circuits, it is noted that voltage remains constant across all elements, branch currents sum to the total current, and the total resistance is calculated using the inverse of the sum of the inverses of individual resistors.
  • One participant advises reducing parallel pairs to simplify the circuit into a series circuit for easier analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple viewpoints on how to approach the topic, with no consensus on a single method or explanation. Some participants emphasize textbook study and practice problems, while others suggest online resources.

Contextual Notes

Some participants assume familiarity with certain concepts, such as Kirchhoff's laws and Ohm's Law, which may not be universally understood by all users. There is also a lack of clarity on whether the original poster has access to specific resources like textbooks.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students preparing for physics exams, particularly those seeking clarification on circuit theory and problem-solving strategies related to parallel and series circuits.

confused.
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alright so i just found out I've got a physics test tomorrow and i can't find my notes. can somebody help explain the rules for parallel and series circuits and how to solve them for current, voltage, and resistance? i think that's all i need..

ps-this is my first post so yay! maybe this will keep me from failing =)
 
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confused. said:
alright so i just found out I've got a physics test tomorrow and i can't find my notes. can somebody help explain the rules for parallel and series circuits and how to solve them for current, voltage, and resistance? i think that's all i need..

ps-this is my first post so yay! maybe this will keep me from failing =)

Signing up to a new forum the night before your exam is likely provide much more of a distraction than a learning aid.

If you simply google these questions, you'll find plenty of answers.
 
right.. but i googled those questions and links to this forum came up. only they were just answers to some kid's homework, so it didnt really help.
 
Read up on Kirchoff's laws (junction and loop rule) -- Also I'm assuming you have a book? Read it and do practice problem.

Also try looking up parallel and series resistors, doesn't sound like you're doing capacitors yet.

Basically in a circuit we have a voltage source, it increases the voltage and everything else (resistors, capacitors, etc) can be thought of as decreasing the voltage. So if you write everything out in terms of voltage the equations should equal 0. Just make multiple loops around the circuit until you have as many equations as unknowns, then just solve.
 
Feldoh said:
Read up on Kirchoff's laws (junction and loop rule) -- Also I'm assuming you have a book? Read it and do practice problem.

Also try looking up parallel and series resistors, doesn't sound like you're doing capacitors yet.

Seconded...these are more commonly referred to as the KVL and KCL

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirchhoff's_circuit_laws

Also make sure you know Ohm's Law and the rules for adding resistors in parallel and series is described here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Series_and_parallel_circuits
 
The general rules are:

For series circuits:
1. The current is the same for all elements.
2. The voltage drops sum to the source voltage.
3. Resistances add.

For parallel circuits:
1. The voltage is the same for all elements.
2. The the branch currents sum to the total current.
3. The sum of inverse of the individual resistors is the inverse of the total resistance.

In general for series parallel circiut reduce parallel pairs, to get a series circiut.
 

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