What Is the Potential Difference Across Three Series Resistors?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves three resistors connected in series with a specified current. Participants are tasked with finding the equivalent resistance and the potential difference across the resistors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Ohm's Law and the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance. There are questions about how to determine the potential difference and whether to consider the total resistance or individual resistors.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using Ohm's Law, while others express confusion about the current and how to apply the formula correctly. There is an ongoing exploration of the problem without a clear consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions of current, resistance, and potential difference, with some uncertainty about the specific requirements of the problem. The original poster has indicated difficulty in progressing beyond the initial steps.

name_ask17
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Homework Statement


Three resistors, 21, 43, and 73 , are connected in series, and a 0.55 A current passes through them. What is
(a) the equivalent resistance and
(b) the potential difference across the three resistors?



Homework Equations


i tried to use EPE/q by putting the equivalent resistors/1.6E-6 charge. i don't think this is right though :/



The Attempt at a Solution


I got a as 137 and that is correct but i can't seem to get part b.
 
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You want Ohm's Law. Look it up!
 
v=IR, but how does that help me find potential difference?
 
name_ask17 said:
v=IR, but how does that help me find potential difference?

What do the variables in the formula represent?
 
volts=resistance(current)
is potential difference under volts?...because i tried 11*25 but that was marked incorrect by my online homework
 
Potential difference is given in volts.
Current is given in Amps.
Resistance is given in Ohms.

You have the resistance and the current. Find the voltage.
 
what is my current?
and do i use the the equivalent capacity as resistance?
 
(b) each of the three resistors or across all of them together?
If it is the later: delta V = IRtotal

** the current is the same through each of them and all of them (connection in series).
 
the question just says the potential difference across the three resistors; so i think it might be the total. but i am still confused on which part is the current
 
  • #10
name_ask17 said:
the question just says the potential difference across the three resistors; so i think it might be the total. but i am still confused on which part is the current

It is explicitly stated in the problem.
 
  • #11
"I" is the current.
In your case: 0.55 A i.e. 0.55 Ampere (a unit of electric current).

Your question suggests you need to go back to your notebook/coursebook and reading that chapter again (Ohm's Law in a series circuit) and mostly looking at the examples and the implementation of the law.

good luck.
 
  • #12
YYYEESSS!. thank YOU.
also thanks for putting up w/me thru this problem
i was making it harder than it is
 

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