Solving Complex Circuits - Voltage & Current w/ Resistance

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing a complex circuit involving resistors arranged in both parallel and series configurations. The original poster seeks to determine the voltage across and the current through each resistor, given only the resistance values without a specified voltage source.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate total resistance and expresses confusion about how to find current and voltage without a given voltage source. Some participants question the absence of a battery voltage or emf, while others suggest expressing answers in terms of the unknown voltage.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of not having a specified voltage source. Some guidance has been offered regarding how to express voltage in terms of the unknown voltage source, but no consensus has been reached on the overall approach.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes the lack of a specified battery voltage or emf, which is critical for solving the problem. This absence raises questions about the completeness of the problem statement.

anonymous820
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Homework Statement



PHYSICS.jpg


R=resistor

determine the voltage across and the current through each resistor for the circuit.

The Attempt at a Solution



1&2=parallel 1/50+1/25=3/50 --> 50/3=16.7 ohms

3&4=parallel 1/10+1/10=1/5 --> 5 ohms

5&6=series 5+10=15 ohms

total resistance=36.7 ohms

so my question is how do you figure out the current and voltage with just the resistance given to you?
 
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Did they give you a battery voltage or emf?
 
nope. that's why i can't figure out anything besides the resistance. i don't even think the question has possible answer.
 
If you're not given a number for E, the answer has to be expressed in terms of E.
Then use voltage division immediately (no loop or node equations necessary)
R = total equivalent resistance
V across (R1 parallel R2) = E ( [R1 parallel R2] / R)
V across (R3 parallel R4) = E ( [R3 parallel R4] / R)
Voltage across R5 = E (R5 / R)
Voltage across R6 = E (R6 / R)
 
what does the E stand for? current?
 
I meant voltage source E. I got you mixed up with someone else who had a battery named E.
 

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