physics - parallel electric circuits

Thread Starter

999kola

Joined Apr 25, 2011
2
Problem:
Three resistors, values 35, 45, and 85 ohms, are connected in parallel across a 35 V battery. What is the current through the 35 ohm resistor?

Attempt:
R total = 35+45+85 = 165
I total = 35V/165ohms = .2
I for 35 ohms = 35V/35 ohms = 1


I'm not sure if this is right or not, but it doesn't seem right to me. I understand how to get the total current, but I'm no sure how to get it for only 1 resistor in a parallel circuit.
 

Adjuster

Joined Dec 26, 2010
2,148
Problem:
Three resistors, values 35, 45, and 85 ohms, are connected in parallel across a 35 V battery. What is the current through the 35 ohm resistor?

Attempt:
R total = 35+45+85 = 165
I total = 35V/165ohms = .2
I for 35 ohms = 35V/35 ohms = 1


I'm not sure if this is right or not, but it doesn't seem right to me. I understand how to get the total current, but I'm no sure how to get it for only 1 resistor in a parallel circuit.
Well, clearly the total current can't be less than what's flowing in one resistor, so what's wrong?

The current through the 35Ω resistor is correct. Unless you are told that the battery has internal resistance, the presence of the other resistors makes no difference to the current in the 35Ω.

You are wrong about the total resistance though. This is a parallel circuit. Req = 1/(1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3)
 

designnut

Joined Apr 21, 2011
33
for parallel circuits you add currents, not rersistances.
1 + .777 +.259 = 2.037
r= 1/ (1/35 + 1/45 +1/165





















































































































add currents not resistances. Rp= 1/ (1/35 + 1/45 +1/165) - 17.588
 

wmodavis

Joined Oct 23, 2010
739
As stated by others your answer to the question was correct but your other 'non-answer-to-the-question superfluous information' was incorrect. Some good analysis by others. The good thing about your 'other' information is it shows some of the mis-conceptions you have need some fixing. And that is the beauty of this forum. Help comes by asking.
 
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