Solving a Wheatstone Bridge with 5 Resistors

[katrascythe]

Homework Statement

A Wheatstone Bridge with 5 resistors

http://img529.imageshack.us/my.php?image=physicsproblemmo7.png

Homework Equations

Use Kirchoff's Law

The Attempt at a Solution

I know that I have to use Kirchoff's laws to find the current at each junction and then at the loops. The only deal is that I'm not sure how to handle the resistor in the middle.

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi katrascythe!

Your link isn't working.

 

[LowlyPion]

Homework Statement

A Wheatstone Bridge with 5 resistors

http://img529.imageshack.us/my.php?image=physicsproblemmo7.png

Homework Equations

Use Kirchoff's Law

The Attempt at a Solution

I know that I have to use Kirchoff's laws to find the current at each junction and then at the loops. The only deal is that I'm not sure how to handle the resistor in the middle.

Choose directions for your loop currents in each of the 2 loops. (I would choose clockwise for the top and counterclockwise for the bottom.) The voltage then of the resister in the middle represents the current of the sum of the 2 currents, top and bottom current, and becomes a term in each of your loop equations.

You have 2 equations, 2 unknowns, solve to the bottom current and that current² times R is your power by P = I²R.