What are the solutions for this electricity problem?

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The discussion revolves around solving an electricity problem from an AS physics past paper, focusing on using Kirchhoff's laws. Participants highlight the need to determine the potential difference between points P and R, with calculations leading to a 4V drop across a specific resistor. The middle resistor is clarified to have no impact on the voltage between P and R, allowing it to be ignored in this context. After identifying the voltage drop, the next step involves calculating the voltage at points Q and S, assuming P is at 0V for simplicity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying relevant resistors and potential differences in circuit analysis.
Peter R

Homework Statement


Hey guys, here is a question that I have trouble with, it is a past paper question in the AS physics syllabus
/Users/peterrong/Desktop/Screen Shot 2017-10-10 at 3.57.12 PM.png

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I have attempted using kirchhoff's laws, but the question seemed to be missing some datas, please help:)
 
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Peter R said:
I have attempted using kirchhoff's laws, but the question seemed to be missing some datas, please help:)
Yes, and the question wants you to find that missing data. To start, what is the potential difference between P and R?
 
NFuller said:
Yes, and the question wants you to find that missing data. To start, what is the potential difference between P and R?
Ehhh I'm thinking 3V+6V+5V+SR
Thanks for the reply:)
 
Peter R said:
Ehhh I'm thinking 3V+6V+5V+SR
Thanks for the reply:)
The two top resistors connect P and R, so the potential difference between P and R must be the sum of the difference across those two resistors.
 
NFuller said:
The two top resistors connect P and R, so the potential difference between P and R must be the sum of the difference across those two resistors.
Right so that leads to 4v on the bottom unknown resistor. Also shouldn't the middle resistor be taking into consideration when calculating the voltage across PR, or you can just ignore it in a question of this kind?
 
Peter R said:
Right so that leads to 4v on the bottom unknown resistor.
Yes
Peter R said:
lso shouldn't the middle resistor be taking into consideration when calculating the voltage across PR, or you can just ignore it in a question of this kind?
The middle resistor is not dropping any voltage between P and R, so it is ignored at this point.
 
NFuller said:
Yes

The middle resistor is not dropping any voltage between P and R, so it is ignored at this point.
So what are you supposed to do after finding the 4V drop at the bottom?
 
  • #10
Peter R said:
So what are you supposed to do after finding the 4V drop at the bottom?
You need the difference between Q and S. If you consider P to be at zero volts for simplicity, then it should be obvious what the voltage at Q is and what the voltage at S is.
 
  • #11
Wow thank you so much, it seemed to obvious when I made P 0V.
 
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