What is the Equivalent Resistance between Points A and B?

In summary, the equivalent resistance between points a and b in the figure is 12.63 ohms. The 4 ohm and 2 ohm resistors are in series, adding up to 6 ohms. The 6 ohm and 3 ohm resistors are in parallel, giving an equivalent resistance of 2 ohms. The remaining 10 ohm, 9 ohm, and 2 ohm resistors are not in series, and need to be re-drawn in order to determine their relationship.
  • #1
tmr0116
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Homework Statement


Find the equivalent resistance between points a and b in the figure

Homework Equations


1/Req = 1/R1+1/R2... for parallel
Req= R1+R2... for series


The Attempt at a Solution


12.63 ohms
 

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  • #2
tmr0116 said:

Homework Statement


Find the equivalent resistance between points a and b in the figure

Homework Equations


1/Req = 1/R1+1/R2... for parallel
Req= R1+R2... for series


The Attempt at a Solution


12.63 ohms

If you show your work, we can spot your errors and guide you. Or are you just asking if your answer is right?
 
  • #3
I have that the 4 and 2 ohm resistor are in series and add to be 6 ohms equivalent resistor. The 6 ohm resistor and the 3 ohm resistor are parallel and 1/6+1/3=1/2 or 2 ohms equivalent. I don't know what to do next though. Are the 1, 2, and 10 ohm resistors in series?
 
  • #4
tmr0116 said:
Are the 1, 2, and 10 ohm resistors in series?
No. If two elements are in series, all the current that goes through one has to go through the other. A current flowing through the 10-ohm resistor can go through the 9-ohm resistor or the 2-ohm resistor, so the 10-ohm resistor and the 2-ohm resistor are not in series. In contrast, all of the current in the 2-ohm resistor must also go through the 1-ohm resistor, so those resistors are in series.
 
  • #5
Try re-drawing the circuit with your new values ... it may become clearer that way. Sometimes, it helps to re-draw the circuit vertically: in your case with "a" at the top of the diagram and "b" at the bottom.
 

Related to What is the Equivalent Resistance between Points A and B?

1. What is equivalent resistance?

Equivalent resistance is the total resistance of a circuit or a combination of resistors that has the same effect as a single resistor.

2. How is equivalent resistance calculated?

The equivalent resistance is calculated using the formula Req = R1 + R2 + R3 + ..., where R1, R2, R3, etc. are the individual resistances in a circuit.

3. What is the difference between series and parallel circuits in terms of equivalent resistance?

In a series circuit, the equivalent resistance is the sum of all the individual resistances, while in a parallel circuit, the equivalent resistance is calculated using the formula 1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ...

4. Can the equivalent resistance of a circuit be lower than the lowest individual resistance?

No, the equivalent resistance of a circuit can never be lower than the lowest individual resistance. It can only be equal to or greater than the lowest individual resistance.

5. How does the addition of resistors in a circuit affect the equivalent resistance?

Adding resistors in series increases the equivalent resistance, while adding resistors in parallel decreases the equivalent resistance. In some cases, the equivalent resistance may remain unchanged.

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