Which resistor gets most power in both series and parallel?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around three resistors with values of 5, 2, and 1 ohm, connected in both series and parallel configurations to a battery. Participants are exploring which resistor dissipates the most power in each configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss Ohm's Law and its implications for current and voltage in series and parallel circuits. There are attempts to derive power equations based on these principles, and questions about the characteristics of measuring devices like voltmeters and ammeters are raised.

Discussion Status

The conversation is actively exploring the relationships between voltage, current, and resistance in different circuit configurations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of power equations in conjunction with Ohm's Law, but no consensus has been reached on the specific outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of basic circuit theory and the definitions of electrical power, with an emphasis on understanding rather than solving the problem directly.

luice
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three resistors that have values of 5,2,1 ohms, are connected in series and parallel to a battery, which resistor gets most power in both series and parallel?
 
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ok, well what do you know about Ohm's Law and how voltage and current act in a series and in a parallel circuit?
 
hi,
ohms law:- resistance as the ratio of the Voltage to the current.
R=V/I

if resistors are connected in series, the current in all resistors are the same.
if resistors are connected in parallel, the potential difference across them are the same.
 
Hello luice,

luice said:
ohms law:- resistance as the ratio of the Voltage to the current.
R=V/I

if resistors are connected in series, the current in all resistors are the same.
if resistors are connected in parallel, the potential difference across them are the same.

Try to use the definition for electrical power P=V*I together with Ohm's law. You'll get 2 different equations for P, each one represents one of the two given cases. After you've found the answer, can you guess what that means for the characteristics of Voltmeters and Amperemeters?

Regards,

nazzard
 

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