Validity of Kirrchoff's Laws in Electrical Circuits

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The discussion centers on applying Kirchhoff's laws to analyze a circuit involving a battery and resistors. A key question arises regarding the current through resistor R1, as it seems counterintuitive given the presence of a direct wire connection. Participants clarify that the wire does not eliminate current through R1 since it connects to another resistor, R2, rather than providing a direct alternative path. The explanation emphasizes that current can still flow through R1 despite the wire's presence. Overall, the validity of Kirchhoff's laws in this context is affirmed, highlighting the nuances of circuit analysis.
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Homework Statement



a) Find the current through the battery and each resistor inthe circuit shown.
b) What is the equivalent resistance of the resistornetwork?

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Homework Equations



Kirrchoff's laws

The Attempt at a Solution



I have one BIG doubt. The answer says that (whatever the number is), there is a current through R1. We were told in class that a current would prefer a clean path. Since there is a nice wire at the top, shouldn't this avoid any current to pass through R1? ... Thanks for helping
 
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ehabmozart said:
I have one BIG doubt. The answer says that (whatever the number is), there is a current through R1. We were told in class that a current would prefer a clean path. Since there is a nice wire at the top, shouldn't this avoid any current to pass through R1? ... Thanks for helping
No. That "nice wire" at the top just connects to R2. If there were two points where R1 and just a wire were in parallel, then you'd be correct.
 

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