Theoretical Resistance Vs Experimental

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The discussion highlights discrepancies between theoretical and experimental resistance values for resistors R1 and R2 in series and parallel configurations. In series, the experimental resistance measured was 58.769 Ohms, while the theoretical calculation was 64.369 Ohms, suggesting additional factors may be reducing the measured resistance. In parallel, the experimental value was 16.846 Ohms compared to a theoretical 14.804 Ohms, indicating that wire resistance is influencing the results. Participants noted that the resistance of the connecting wires could be contributing to these differences, emphasizing the importance of measurement techniques. Overall, the conversation underscores the complexities of accurately measuring resistance in practical scenarios.
multiix
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Homework Statement


Suggest a reason why theoretical and experimental results for resistors R1 and R2 are different for: experimental R1 and R2 in series vs R1+R2
and Experimental R1 and R2 in parallel vs 1/R1+1/R2

R1=23.080 Ohms
R2=41.289 Ohms

Series Experimental=58.769 Ohms
Series Theoretical=64.369 Ohms

Parallel Experimental=16.846 Ohms
Parallel Theoretical=14.804 Ohms

Homework Equations


Parallel: Rs=1/R1+1/R2
Series: Rs=R1+R2

The Attempt at a Solution


Parallel.
In this example as well since the current has to travel through extra wire which makes it a parallel. The wire's resistance adds on to the calculated resistors value.

Series:
The theoretical and experimental values for the resistance are different since the electricity has to travel through extra wire in case 1 and this wire causes resistance which adds to the value of the final resistance measured. The value which is more reliable for measuring the series's resistance is 58.769 Ohms as measued in Part 2

Is this correct^?
 
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multiix said:
Parallel.
In this example as well since the current has to travel through extra wire which makes it a parallel. The wire's resistance adds on to the calculated resistors value.

Series:
The theoretical and experimental values for the resistance are different since the electricity has to travel through extra wire in case 1 and this wire causes resistance which adds to the value of the final resistance measured. The value which is more reliable for measuring the series's resistance is 58.769 Ohms as measued in Part 2

Is this correct^?
Parallel: Yes, the resistance of the wires will increase the measured value. However, 2Ω of extra resistance is really a lot, the wires must be really thin or long.

Series: The resistance of the wires will increase the measured value. However, the measured value was less than the theoretical sum. So you need to think of a reason the resistance would be smaller than expected, not larger.
 
multiix said:
Parallel: Rs=1/R1+1/R2
should read 1/Rs =1/R1+1/R2

Did you measure the resistance with a multimeter? Which ever apparatus you used, those have some resistances too
 
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The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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