Math Problem Statement

If the power supply produces 10V and the resistance R1 is 5Ω, what is the current in resistor R1?

Solution

This is a question about an electrical circuit. We have four resistors, all of the same resistance RR, and they are connected as shown, with a power supply of 10 V. The task is to find the current through resistor R1R_1, which is part of this arrangement.

From the image, it appears that the four resistors are arranged in a parallel configuration. The total resistance for resistors in parallel can be calculated using the formula:

1Rtotal=1R+1R+1R+1R\frac{1}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{R} + \frac{1}{R} + \frac{1}{R} + \frac{1}{R}

Simplifying this:

1Rtotal=4R\frac{1}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{4}{R}

Thus, the total resistance RtotalR_{\text{total}} is:

Rtotal=R4R_{\text{total}} = \frac{R}{4}

Now, using Ohm's law, V=I×RV = I \times R, we can solve for the total current ItotalI_{\text{total}}:

Itotal=VRtotal=10R4=10×4R=40RI_{\text{total}} = \frac{V}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{10}{\frac{R}{4}} = \frac{10 \times 4}{R} = \frac{40}{R}

Since the current is equally distributed among the four resistors in parallel, the current through each resistor, including R1R_1, is:

I1=Itotal4=404R=10RI_1 = \frac{I_{\text{total}}}{4} = \frac{40}{4R} = \frac{10}{R}

Now, we substitute R=5ΩR = 5 \, \Omega:

I1=105=2AI_1 = \frac{10}{5} = 2 \, \text{A}

So, the current through resistor R1R_1 is 2 A.

The correct answer is C) 2 A.

Would you like further clarification or details about this calculation?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you calculate the total current in a parallel circuit?
  2. What is the relationship between resistance and current in a parallel configuration?
  3. How do you determine the current in a resistor in a parallel circuit?
  4. What happens to the total resistance when more resistors are added in parallel?
  5. How does the power supply voltage affect the current in a circuit?

Tip: In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each resistor is the same, so the current is inversely proportional to the resistance.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Ohm's Law
Parallel Circuits
Electrical Resistance
Current Distribution

Formulas

Total Resistance in Parallel: 1/R_total = 1/R + 1/R + 1/R + 1/R
Ohm's Law: V = I * R
Current Division in Parallel Circuits: I_total = V / R_total

Theorems

Ohm's Law
Parallel Circuit Resistance Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12