Physics 11 Circuits June 8, 2009

EQUIVALENT RESISTANCE

R1 = 3Ω
R2 = 12 Ω
R3 = 8Ω
R4 = 6Ω

R' = (12 Ω)(8 Ω) = 4.8 Ω

12 Ω + 8 Ω

R''= R1+R'= 4.8 Ω+3 Ω= 7.8 Ω

Req = (7.8 Ω)(6 Ω) = 3.4 Ω

7.8 Ω + 6 Ω

Req = 3.4 Ω
Is = V = 12 V = 3.53 A
Req 3.4 Ω
Physics 11 Circuits June 8, 2009

KIRCHHOFF’S RULES

Many times it is necessary to analyze a circuit in which there is a

combination of elements that are in series and parallel.

There are 2 rules, which will be necessary in solving these types of circuits.

1) Junction Rule: The sum of the magnitudes of the currents directed

into a junction equals the sum of the magnitudes of currents out of the
junction.

Ex)

I 1 = I 2 + I3
7A = 5A + I3
I3 = 2A

2) Loop Rule: Around any closed-circuit look, the sum of the potential
drops equals the sum of potential rises.

Ex)

12 = 10 + 2
Voltage gain across battery = Voltage drop across battery
Physics 11 Circuits June 8, 2009

Ex. Find all unknown values.

V2 18
I2 = = = 1.8 A
R2 10

V3 = V2 = 18 V

V3 18
R3 = = = 20 Ω
I 3 0.9

V5 = R5I5 = 10(3) = 30 V

Is = I5 = 3.0 A

V5 60
Req total = = = 20 Ω
I5 3
Pt. 1
I1 = I2 + I3 + I4 V4 18
3 = 1.8 + 0.9 + I4
R4 = = = 60 Ω
I4 0. 3
I4 = 0.3 A

Req Parallel Branch:

R2 R3 R4 10( 20)(60)
Req parallel = = =6
R2 + R3 + R4 10 + 20 + 60
Req total = R1 + Req parallel + Rr
R1 = 4 Ω
Physics 11 Circuits June 8, 2009

V1 = R1I1 = 4(3) = 12 V

Check!
VT = V1 + V2 + Vs
60 = 60