physics parallel series circuit

[hamid14]

I am trying to figure out resistance (ohms) for a series and parallel circuit question. it has a diagram with Vt = 12.0 V and It = 2.0 A and V1 = 6.0 V and I3 = 1.0 A. I am trying to figure out the resistacne for source, load 1, load 2 and load 3. How would i go about this?

[TerranceN]

This is all based around sub-sectioning your circuit into the basic series and parallel examples, knowing the properties of series and parallel circuits, and knowing how to use ohm's law.

Here is an example circuit:


The first thing you want to do is break it up into fully series and fully parallel circuits. To do this, you replace from where the circuit split up, to where it came back together, with a resistance that represents the sub-section of the circuit that you are replacing. This will leave you with 1 series circuit, and one or more other circuits. In this case leaving you with something like this:



In this case, it put all the sub-sections into either all series or all parallel, but you may need to do this again to each of the sub-sections.

Also, note the values of resistance 2,3 will represent the total values of the sub-section. This will allow you to use the properties of series and parallel circuits to find unknown values.

Another helpful tip is to write a table help you more easily see what properties of circuits you can use. Also, if you do this for awhile you will be able to do it mentally. I hope my way of thinking of it helps you.

[hamid14]

thanks, figured it out