Math Problem Statement

Determine the current through the circuit where R1 = 11 Ω and R2 = 5.7 Ω, given a 120 V generator with 0.25 Ω internal resistance and a 24 V battery with 0.15 Ω internal resistance.

Solution

To solve for the current through the circuit, let’s analyze the information given.

Circuit Parameters:

  1. Voltage sources:
    • Generator with 120 V and internal resistance of 0.25 Ω.
    • A 24 V battery with an internal resistance of 0.15 Ω.
  2. Resistors:
    • R1=11ΩR_1 = 11 \, \Omega
    • R2=5.7ΩR_2 = 5.7 \, \Omega

Steps to Calculate the Total Current:

  1. Calculate the Total Resistance:

    • The resistances are connected in series, so the total resistance RtotalR_{\text{total}} is the sum of all individual resistances: Rtotal=R1+R2+0.25+0.15=11+5.7+0.25+0.15=17.1ΩR_{\text{total}} = R_1 + R_2 + 0.25 + 0.15 = 11 + 5.7 + 0.25 + 0.15 = 17.1 \, \Omega
  2. Calculate the Total Voltage:

    • Since the two voltage sources are in series, we add their voltages while considering their polarity. Here, they are additive: Vtotal=120+24=144VV_{\text{total}} = 120 + 24 = 144 \, \text{V}
  3. Calculate the Current II:

    • Using Ohm's law, I=VtotalRtotalI = \frac{V_{\text{total}}}{R_{\text{total}}}: I=14417.18.42AI = \frac{144}{17.1} \approx 8.42 \, \text{A}

Final Answer:

The current through the circuit is approximately 8.42 A.

Would you like further details or have any other questions?


Here are some related questions for deeper understanding:

  1. How would the current change if the 24 V battery was reversed in polarity?
  2. What would be the impact of removing the internal resistances of the voltage sources?
  3. How does adding another resistor in series affect the circuit current?
  4. Can we calculate the power dissipated in R1R_1 with the current found?
  5. What happens to the current if R1R_1 and R2R_2 are swapped?

Tip: In series circuits, all components share the same current, which simplifies calculations compared to parallel circuits.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Circuit Analysis
Ohm's Law
Series Circuits

Formulas

Ohm's Law: V = IR
Total resistance in series: R_total = R1 + R2 + internal resistances
Current: I = V_total / R_total

Theorems

Ohm's Law
Series Circuit Resistance Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12, College Physics