Math Problem Statement

Calculate the total resistance for the circuit

Calculate the total resistance for the circuit.

Solution

In this parallel circuit, there are two branches:

  • Branch 1: Two bulbs, each with 10 Ω resistance, connected in series.
  • Branch 2: One bulb with 10 Ω resistance.

Step 1: Calculate the resistance of Branch 1

Since the two bulbs in Branch 1 are connected in series, their total resistance R1R_1 is: R1=R+R=10Ω+10Ω=20ΩR_1 = R + R = 10 \, \Omega + 10 \, \Omega = 20 \, \Omega

Step 2: Resistance of Branch 2

Branch 2 has a single bulb with 10 Ω resistance: R2=10ΩR_2 = 10 \, \Omega

Step 3: Calculate the total resistance of the parallel circuit

The total resistance RtotalR_{\text{total}} in a parallel circuit is given by: 1Rtotal=1R1+1R2\frac{1}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} Substitute the values: 1Rtotal=120+110\frac{1}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{20} + \frac{1}{10} Find the common denominator and sum: 1Rtotal=120+220=320\frac{1}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{20} + \frac{2}{20} = \frac{3}{20} Now, solve for RtotalR_{\text{total}}: Rtotal=203Ω6.67ΩR_{\text{total}} = \frac{20}{3} \, \Omega \approx 6.67 \, \Omega

Final Answer:

The total resistance of the circuit is approximately 6.67Ω6.67 \, \Omega.

Would you like more details or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions for practice:

  1. What is the voltage across the whole circuit if the total current is 4.5 A?
  2. How much current flows through each branch of the parallel circuit?
  3. If another bulb is added to Branch 2, how will the total resistance change?
  4. How do you calculate the total resistance of more than two branches in a parallel circuit?
  5. What happens to the total current if the resistance in Branch 1 increases?

Tip: In a parallel circuit, the total resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistance!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Electric circuits
Parallel resistance
Series resistance

Formulas

R_series = R1 + R2 + ...
1 / R_total = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2 + ...

Theorems

Ohm's Law
Parallel Circuit Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12