Voltage drop and current through each resistor

AI Thread Summary
To determine the voltage drop and current through each resistor in a circuit with both parallel and series components, start by calculating the equivalent resistance (Req) using the appropriate formulas for series and parallel configurations. Once Req is found, use Ohm's law to find the total current (Ieq) in the circuit. The current will then split across the parallel branches, allowing for the calculation of voltage across each resistor and the current through them using the relationships V=IR. It's essential to ensure that any circuit diagrams are clear and legible to avoid confusion over voltage values. Accurate calculations will help clarify the behavior of the circuit components.
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Homework Statement


Determine the voltage drop and current through each resistor.
195f51d3e80c33278adbb400fac60146.png


*This is just my sketch of the problem since I couldn't take a clear picture of it.

Homework Equations


Ohm's law
V= IR

Parallel total resistance
Req=1/R1+1/R2+1/R3+...

Series total resistance
Req=R1+R2+R3+...

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm having troubles understand what I should do when there's more than just a parallel or series in a circuit.

If this were just a parallel problem then I would simply add up the resistors using the Req=1/R1+1/R2+1/R3+... equation and since I know that voltage is the same across a parallel circuit then I could simply solve for the total current (Ieq) by rearranging Ohm's law Ieq=V/Req from there I can figure out voltage drop and current through every resistor using V1=IeqR1, V2=IeqR2,... and I1=V/R1, I2=V/R2,...

I would follow the same steps in a series circuit problem with the exception being that I would use Req=R1+R2+R3... instead of Req=1/R1+1/R2+1/R3+...

Now, with my problem, I have both parallel and series. How should I go about doing this?

I tried simplifying the circuit down and got an Req=14.6 ohms with the Voltage still being 10 volts. In this case would I use this Req value to calculate Ieq and just use that for the voltage drop and then just divide voltage by every resistor to figure out the current through each?

Maybe I don't understand circuits correctly. I'm not sure. Any help/explanation is very much appreciated!
 
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With the equivalent resistance you can calculate the current through the 6 ohm resistor and the parallel combination (the current would split up through the two branches of the parallel combination though).
That means you can calculate the voltage over the 6 ohm resistor and the total voltage over the two parallel branches.
 
Last edited:
Welcome to Physics Forums.

A suggestion: When posting figures, you should use sufficient resolution so that the figure easily conveys all of the information. The values in your figure are simply not legible. For example, I would not have guessed the DC voltage to be 10 V - as you stated.
 
TomHart said:
The values in your figure are simply not legible.
+1 on that
For example, I would not have guessed the DC voltage to be 10 V - as you stated.
Neither would I since it clearly says 20v in the figure
 
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