Why is there no current flow in the middle branch? (Circuits problem)

[phantomvommand]

Homework Statement

See picture below

Relevant Equations

Kirchoff's Laws

Why does current not split into the middle junction? I notice that this is true regardless of the values of the resistors.

 

[BvU]

To see why not, draw a more conventional schematic, and check the voltage difference over the 80 + 120 Ohm.

$\$

 

[Lnewqban]

The only reason could be that there is zero potential difference between nodes (junctions) A and B.

 

[BvU]

 

[DaveE]

In any circuit current has to be able to flow around a loop to return to each location. U-turns don't count, it has to flow in a single direction through each branch. Otherwise the charges would all collect at the end.

 

[Vanadium 50]

draw a more conventional schematic

<sigh>

We can provide advice, but if he won't take it, he won't take it.

 

[Tom.G]

Homework Statement: See picture below
Relevant Equations: Kirchoff's Laws

Why does current not split into the middle junction? I notice that this is true regardless of the values of the resistors.

Because there is nothing attracting the electrons to go that way; and even if there was, there is no way the electrons could get back to their source.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Because there is nothing attracting the electrons to go that way; end even if there was, there is no way the electrons could get back to their source.

Which a proper drawing would have shown.

 

[cianfa72]

In any circuit current has to be able to flow around a loop to return to each location. U-turns don't count, it has to flow in a single direction through each branch. Otherwise the charges would all collect at the end.

I'd just add that applying Kirchoff Current Law (KCL) to a "cut" around A-B link (that includes it alone) gives zero current through it.