Find the equivalent resistance in a circuit

[jakobsandberg]

Homework Statement

Find the equivalent resistance in the circuit below:

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I know the two 4 Ohm resistors (on the same wire) are in series and thus add to 8 Ohms. However, I do not know where to go from here. When the resistors are in a box, with one on each side, are they in series? Or are they two parallels?

Thanks!

 

[rock.freak667]

I believe the 2,4,2 ohm resistors are all in series since the same current flows through them.

 

[jakobsandberg]

I believe the 2,4,2 ohm resistors are all in series since the same current flows through them.

So this would leave me with two parallel resistors of 8 Ohms each? And finding the equivalent resistance would give us 4 Ohms?

If you (or someone else) can confirm this, it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[prateekpg]

yep. 8 ohm 8ohm are in parrellel giving 4 ohm net resistance. can be veryfied using kirhoff's law to show current in both branches are the same.

 

[rwisz]

To find the equivalent resistance in this circuit, we can use the following formula:

Req = R1 + R2 + R3 + ...

In this case, we have two 4 Ohm resistors in series, so we can add them together to get 8 Ohms. Then, we have two more resistors in parallel, which means that their equivalent resistance is given by:

Req = (1/R4 + 1/R5)^-1

Plugging in the values, we get:

Req = (1/6 + 1/6)^-1 = 3 Ohms

Therefore, the equivalent resistance in this circuit is 8 Ohms + 3 Ohms = 11 Ohms. Remember to always consider the arrangement of resistors (parallel or series) when calculating the equivalent resistance. In this case, the two resistors on each side of the box are in parallel, while the two 4 Ohm resistors are in series. I hope this helps!