Determine a) the equivalent resistance of the circuit shown in Fig. 19–48, b) the voltage across each resistor, and c) the current through each resistor.

a) 1350 \; \Omega b) V_3 = 8.8 V, V_1 = V_2 = 3.2 V c) I_3 = 0.0089 A, I_2 = 0.0047 A, I_1 = 0.0042 A

Giancoli 7th Edition, Chapter 19, Problem 16

Problem 16

Determine

the equivalent resistance of the circuit shown in Fig. 19–48,
the voltage across each resistor, and
the current through each resistor.

Figure 19-48.

$1350 \; \Omega$
$V_3 = 8.8 \textrm{ V, } V_1 = V_2 = 3.2 \textrm{ V}$
$I_3 = 0.0089 \textrm{ A, } I_2 = 0.0047 \textrm{ A, } I_1 = 0.0042 \textrm{ A}$

COMMENTS

By Agp2196 on Sat, 3/21/2015 - 8:47 PM

I don't understand why those two are parallel and one is a series?

By Mr. Dychko on Sun, 3/22/2015 - 4:54 AM

Hi Agp2196, $R_1$ and $R_2$ can be recognized as in parallel since they have both ends connected by wires. The bottom ends are connected by a wire, and the top ends are also connected by a wire. This means current at the bottom, coming from the positive end of the battery, has a choice of $R_1$ or $R_2$ , and when you see current being given this choice, you know the resistors are in parallel. Resistor labelled $R_3$ is in series since there are no other options but to go through $R_3$ in order to continue through the circuit.

Hope that helps,
Mr. Dychko

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