Understanding Short Circuiting in Electrical Circuits

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the concept of short circuiting in electrical circuits, specifically regarding the behavior of current in relation to resistors and switches. Participants are examining why current does not flow through a resistor when an alternate path is available.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions the explanation of current flow in relation to a closed switch and the presence of an alternate path. Some participants explore the implications of a perfect wire versus one with resistance, and others inquire whether the behavior observed is specific to resistors or applicable to other components like capacitors.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the concepts, with some providing insights into the nature of current flow in circuits. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the implications of short circuiting, but no consensus has been reached on the broader applicability of the observed behavior.

Contextual Notes

There is a reference to a diagram that is not visible to all participants, which may affect the clarity of the discussion. Additionally, the conversation includes a side query unrelated to the main topic, indicating varying levels of focus among participants.

Gear300
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A (roughly made) diagram of the circuit is given in the attachment. The red zigzags represent resistors R1 and R2; the blue line is a switch. Why is it that when the switch is closed, no current runs through R2? The explanation I was given was because there is an alternate resistance-free route...but can someone elaborate more on this. Technically, wouldn't the current split along the route?
 

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wut up...quick question: how long does it take for this pending approval process to finish?
 
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Can't see the image, but...I'm guessing the switch creates a path that shorts the ends of the resistor R2, right?

No current would flow in the resistor if the wire is perfect, with no resistance at all. If there is any resistance in the wire, then the current will be split, with the bulk of the current going through the wire, and the tiny remainder going through the resistor.
 
Thats right...it creates a path that shorts the ends of resistor R2. So, would that be a feature only for resistors, or would the same thing happen if I replaced R2 with a capacitor...or is that just a general feature of short circuiting?
 
Last edited:

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