Solving Resistor Circuits: Tips & Tricks

[BuBbLeS01]

Urgent...test In 58 Minutes!

Homework Statement

I am having a hard time figuring out how to calculate the current in a circuit consisting of 2 batteries and numerous resistors. Unfortunautely the problem I am trying to do is in my book so I can't post a picture. But if someone can give me a general idea of how to approach these kinds of problems I would greatly appreaciate it!

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[mgb_phys]

Replace blocks of resistors in paralle with a single equivalent resistor.
Remember that voltage drops across each resistor in a circuit must add up to the battery voltage.
current through all resistors in series must bee the same.

 

[Oerg]

have you learned kirchhoffs laws before? learning your concepts right before your exam is not good.

 

[Defennder]

It's kind of difficult to help you if you haven't posted a specific problem. But you only need to use Kirchoff's voltage law and Kirchoff's current law here. Remember that the potential difference across a resistor is simply V = IR. Start by labeling currents in the circuit as I1, I2, I3 etc.

Well, that's all I can say without any more input from you.

EDIT: To mgb_phys advice I would add that you should always replace resistors in series with equivalent resistors. Kinda obvious I know.

This is a little off-track but it seems like you're panicking over something which you probably know how to do outside of exams. Have a look through your tutorials to refresh your memory.

 

[BuBbLeS01]

I redrew the picture with 2 batteries 1 on each side and 2 resistors 1 on top and 1 bottom. Now that I calculated the current through the top resistor how do I work backwards to calculate the current through the each individual resistors that make up that equivalent resistor? Does that make sense?

 

[BuBbLeS01]

I ended up with having a 12 V bat on the left side of the circuit then a 24 Ohm Resistor on the top, a 3 V bat on the right and a 3 Ohm Resistor on the bottom. Also how do I know which bat to use to calculate the current?