KALINGA STATE UNIVERSITY GENERAL PHYSICS 2: MODULE 2 Direct Current Circuits

DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUITS RESISTORS IN PARALLEL

When three resistors R , R and R are connected in
1 2 3
series shown:
1. The voltage (V) in all the resistors is the
same.
2. The total current (I) in all the resistors is the
sum of the current in each resistor.
I = I1 + I2 + I3
3. The reciprocal of the equivalent resistance is
the sum of the reciprocals of each resistance.
Components, including resistors in a circuit may 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
be connected together in two ways: = + +
𝑹𝒆 𝑹𝟏 𝑹𝟐 𝑹𝟑
1. IN SERIES, so that the same current flows
through all the components but a different potential
difference (voltage) can exist across each one.
2. IN PARALLEL, so that the same potential
difference (voltage) exists across all the components
but each component may carry a different current.

SERIES CONNECTION PARALLEL CONNECTION

RESISTORS IN SERIES
When three resistors R , R and R are connected in
1 2 3
series shown: COMBINATION OF SERIES AND
1. The current (I) in all the resistors is the same. PARALLEL RESISTORS
2. The total voltage (VTOT) across the resistors
is equal to the sum of the voltage across
each resistor.
VTOT = V + V + V
1 2 3
3. The equivalent resistance (Re) is the sum of
the resistances of each resistor.
R =R + R + R
e 1 2 3

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KALINGA STATE UNIVERSITY GENERAL PHYSICS 2: MODULE 2 Direct Current Circuits

SAMPLE PROBLEM #1 SOLUTION:

(A) Find the equivalent resistance Re. (SOL’N A):
(B)What is the current I in the circuit? 1 1 1 1
= + +
(C) Find the voltage in each resistors and Show that Re R1 R2 R3
the voltage drops across the three resistors totals the 1 1 1 1
= + +
27-V Re 2Ω 4Ω 4Ω
1
= 0.50 + 0.25 + 0.25
Re
1
= 1
Re
1
Re = =1Ω
1

GIVEN: Equivalent Re = 1 Ω
Resistance: 2Ω, 2Ω, 5Ω (B) Assume a 12 Assume a 12-V emf is connected
Voltage(total): 27 V to the circuit as shown. What is the total current
REQUIRED: leaving the source of emf?
(A) Equivalent Resistance, Re
(B) Total Current, I
(C) Voltage, V in each resistor
SOLUTION:
(SOL’N A):
Re = R1 + R2 + R3
Re = 2Ω + 2Ω + 5Ω = 9Ω (SOL’N B):
V T = 12 V ; R e = 1 Ω
Equivalent Re = 9 Ω
Voltage is same: Since it is in parallel connection
The current is found from Ohm’s law:
V1 = V2 = V3 = 12 V
I=V/R
IT = I1 + I2 + I3
(SOL’N B):
V 27 V Ohm’s Law: I= V/R
I= =
Re 9Ω Vt 12 V
Current I = 3 A I(total current) = = = 12 A
Re 1Ω
(SOL’N ):
Current I = 3 A same in each R Total Current I = 12 A
“Since it is in Series connection”
ohm’s law equation SAMPLE PROBLEM #3
V1= IR1 ; V2= IR2 ; V3= IR3
V1= (3 A) (2Ω) = 6 V (A) Find the equivalent resistance Re. of the figure
V2= (3 A) (2Ω) = 6 V shown below assume VT = 12 V.
V3= (3 A) (5Ω) =15 V
VT = V1 + V2 +V3
VT = 6V + 6V +15 V
VT = 27 V
CHECK !!!

SAMPLE PROBLEM #2
(A) Find the equivalent resistance Re.

(B) Find the total current, IT

GIVEN:
Resistance: 2Ω, 4Ω, 4Ω
Voltage(total): 27 V
REQUIRED:
(A) Equivalent Resistance, Re

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KALINGA STATE UNIVERSITY GENERAL PHYSICS 2: MODULE 2 Direct Current Circuits

(C) Find the current and voltages across each Sign Conventions for Loop Rule:
resistor Emf source (ε):
positive (travel from –to +)

negative (travel from + to -)

KIRCHOFF’S LAWS FOR DC CIRCUITS

Junction: point where three or more conductors

meet (nodes, branch points).
Loop: closed conducting path.
KIRCHOFF’S LAW: LOOP I
Kirchoff’s first law: JUNCTION RULE The sum 1. Assume possible consistent flow of currents.
of the currents entering a junction is equal to the 2. Indicate positive output directions for directions
sum of the currents leaving that junction. for emf
3. Indicate consistent tracing direction. (clockwise)
Junction Rule: ∑I (enter) = ∑I (leaving)
Or

∑I = 0

Kirchoff’s second law: VOLTAGE RULE the

sum of the emf’s around any closed loop must
equal the sum of the IR drops around that same

Voltage Rule: ∑Ԑ = ∑IR

Or
∑V= 0

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KALINGA STATE UNIVERSITY GENERAL PHYSICS 2: MODULE 2 Direct Current Circuits

KIRCHOFF’S LAW: LOOP II SAMPLE PROBLEM:

4. Voltage rule for Loop II: Assume Use Kirchoff’s laws to find the currents in the circuit
counterclockwise positive tracing direction. drawn.
LOOP I: LOOP II:

Would the same equation apply if traced clockwise

clockwise?

LOOP III

SOLUTION:
KIRCHOFF’S LAW: LOOP III
5. Voltage rule for Loop III: Assume ***JUNCTION RULE: I2 + I3 = I1
counterclockwise positive tracing direction. Consider Loop I tracing to obtain:
Voltage Rule: ∑Ԑ = ∑ IR
12 V = (5 Ω) I1 + (10 Ω) I2
RECALLING THAT: V / Ω = A , gives
Would the same equation apply if traced 5I1 +10 I2 = 12 A
clockwise clockwise?
*** Finding the currents
Consider Loop II tracing clockwise to obtain:
Voltage Rule: ∑Ԑ = ∑ IR
6 V = (20 Ω) I3 - (10 Ω) I2
Simplify: Divide by 2 and V / Ω = A , gives
10I3 – 5I2 = 3A
*** Three independent equations solved for I1, I2 and I3
Eqn (1) I1 = I2 + I3
Eqn (2) 5I1 + 10I2 = 12 A
Eqn (3) 10I3 - 5I2 = 3 A
Substitute Eqn (1) for I1 in (2): 5 ( I2 + I3 ) + 10 I3 = 12 A Simplifying
gives
Eqn 4: 5I2 + 15I3 + 12 A

FOR INDEPENDENT EQUATIONS: Eliminate I2: By equating eqn 3 and 4 gives 25I3 = 15 A
6. Thus, we now have four independent I3 = 0.600 A
equations from Kirchoff’s laws: Putting I3 in eqn(3) gives 10 (0.60A) – 5I2 = 3A: I2= 0.600A
Then from eqn 1:

I1 = 1.20 A

 REFERENCES:
 DC%20Circuits.pdf A presentation by Paul E. Tippens
 Chap26_PHY2049.pdf

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