- #1
sammyqw
- 20
- 0
Homework Statement
Find total Resistance
Homework Equations
1/Req= (1/R1)+(1/R2)...
The Attempt at a Solution
Can someone please explain me how 5 ohm R and 3ohm R are in series and then in parallel with the 2ohm R? Thanks
Calculating Total Resistance in a Parallel Circuit
- Thread starter sammyqw
- Start date
In summary, the total resistance in a parallel circuit can be calculated by taking the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of each individual resistance. Adding more resistors in parallel decreases the total resistance and increases the current in the circuit. Technically, there is no limit to the number of resistors that can be added in parallel, but there is a limit known as the parallel resistance limit. The purpose of adding resistance in parallel is to control the amount of current and distribute it among different components in the circuit.
Find total Resistance
1/Req= (1/R1)+(1/R2)...
Can someone please explain me how 5 ohm R and 3ohm R are in series and then in parallel with the 2ohm R? Thanks
- #2
gneill
Mentor
- 20,988
- 2,932
Highlight all paths that can take you from one end of the 2 Ω resistor to its other end. If there's only one path without branches, then whatever lies along that path must be in series.
- #3
CWatters
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Gold Member
- 10,544
- 2,323
+1 but note that the 20R is short circuited by the middle switch so can be deleted.
Related to Calculating Total Resistance in a Parallel Circuit
1. How do you calculate the total resistance in a parallel circuit?
In a parallel circuit, the total resistance is calculated by taking the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of each individual resistance. This can be represented by the formula: 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... + 1/Rn, where RT is the total resistance and R1, R2, R3, etc. are the individual resistances.
2. What happens to the total resistance when adding more resistors in parallel?
When adding more resistors in parallel, the total resistance decreases. This is because the current has multiple paths to flow through, reducing the overall resistance of the circuit.
3. Can you add an unlimited number of resistors in parallel?
Technically, there is no limit to the number of resistors that can be added in parallel. However, as more resistors are added, the total resistance approaches a limit known as the parallel resistance limit. This limit can be calculated by taking the reciprocal of the sum of all the individual resistances.
4. How does adding resistance in parallel affect the overall current in a circuit?
In a parallel circuit, the current is divided among the different paths. Adding more resistors in parallel decreases the overall resistance, which in turn increases the total current in the circuit.
5. What is the purpose of adding resistance in parallel?
Adding resistance in parallel allows for the flow of more current in a circuit, which can be useful in controlling the amount of current in different parts of the circuit. It also helps to distribute the current among different components, preventing any one component from being overloaded.
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