EXAMPLE 1

Find the equivalent resistance between point a and b for the combination of resistors shown in the
figure.

Solution:

Combine the 4Ω and 12Ω in parallel, the equivalent

resistance is therefore:

It In

Rr

Riz 3

The 4Ω and 12Ω resistor have been

replaced by their equivalent, a 3Ω resistor.

Since the resistor in series with 5Ω resistor,
the equivalent resistor of the bottom branch
is:

RIB i 5h t3r

R.rs

TR
The equivalent resistance of the two

parallel resistors is:

i Reg

ff4rtgtrJRt

6rI
Reg

Thus, the equivalent resistance is 6Ω.

EXAMPLE 2

For the circuit shown in the figure, find a.) the equivalent resistance of the parallel combination of
the resistors, b.) the total current in the source of emf and the current carried by each resistor.

Solution:

a. The equivalent resistance of the 6Ω and 12Ω

resistors in parallel is:

ffutfj

R.i R.it

b. The resistance R12 and 2Ω are inrIR

series. The equivalent resistance of

this combination is,

keg 4rt2rR 6rT

The current I in the circuit is

therefore:

I.ir
YTR3I

3A I 2 T

This is the total current in

12 42
the source of emf.

The potential drop from a

and b across R12 is V12= (I12)

(R12)

Viz Hn Rr

42 13A Hr

714
142 1211
The current in the 6Ω resistor is thus,

Count Voltage Current Resistance

fif
F

and that in the 12Ω resistor is,

IT'Er

1AI
I

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