Is this a parallel circuit with non-parallel resistors?

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In summary, the conversation is discussing the criteria for a circuit to be considered parallel. It is determined that the physical orientation of the resistors does not matter, but rather the electrical connections between them. It is also clarified that nodes refer to the points where the current splits. It is then mentioned that in order for a circuit to be considered parallel, the electrons from one branch cannot meet the load from the other branch. Finally, there is a discussion about the interesting design of Circuit B and the possibility of adding a resistor to change the understanding of the circuit. The question of whether an electron can still move through both resistors in Circuit B is also raised.
  • #1
Coco12
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Question:
Is this a parallel circurt?

ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1389730789.854754.jpg

Revelant equations:
None required

Attempt at solution:
I know that a parallel circurt has more than one pathway for the current to flow and has resistors parallel to each other. However in both of the pictures shown, there are two parallel paths but the resistors are not parallel. Is that still considered a parallel circurt then?
 
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  • #2
Coco12 said:
Question:
Is this a parallel circurt?

View attachment 65611
Relevant equations:
None required

Attempt at solution:
I know that a parallel circuit has more than one pathway for the current to flow and has resistors parallel to each other. However in both of the pictures shown, there are two parallel paths but the resistors are not parallel. Is that still considered a parallel circuit then?
Why would the physical orientation of the resistors matter? It's the electrical connections that matter.
 
  • #3
SammyS said:
Why would the physical orientation of the resistors matter? It's the electrical connections that matter.
It doesn't matter? Then in the 2 pictures, which one would not be?
 
  • #4
Coco12 said:
It doesn't matter? Then in the 2 pictures, which one would not be?
Do you have a more explicit definition for two resistors to be in parallel -- or in series, for that matter?
 
  • #5
You're supposed to tell us that. If two resistors are in parallel, they're connected to the same two nodes in the circuit. For which of the circuits does this hold true?
 
  • #6
vela said:
You're supposed to tell us that. If two resistors are in parallel, they're connected to the same two nodes in the circuit. For which of the circuits does this hold true?
Same two nodes...
 
  • #7
Coco12 said:
Same two nodes...
I think maybe it would be the first one because the second has resistors in the same line, which would be similar to a series?
 
  • #8
As SammyS said, it's the electrical connections that matter, not how the resistors are drawn.
 
  • #9
vela said:
As SammyS said, it's the electrical connections that matter, not how the resistors are drawn.
I'm not sure I know what you mean by that.
 
  • #10
vela said:
As SammyS said, it's the electrical connections that matter, not how the resistors are drawn.
Nodes means the point where the current splits right? In the first diagram, the the resistor shares one node with the other. The second one also shares one node.
 
  • #11
vela said:
As SammyS said, it's the electrical connections that matter, not how the resistors are drawn.
Is it that in order for it to be a parallel circurt, the electrons from a branch cannot meet the load from the other, therefore the second diagram is not parallel
 
  • #12
Circuit B is definitely interesting in the way its drawn, but what if you were to draw a resister in Circuit B where the resistor is in Circuit A, and label it 0 Ohms. Does that help change your understanding of the circuit? Can an electron find a way to move from the voltage source through both resistors and back in Circuit B? Circuit A?
 

FAQ: Is this a parallel circuit with non-parallel resistors?

What is a parallel circuit?

A parallel circuit is an electrical circuit that has multiple branches, with each branch having its own individual path for the flow of current. This is different from a series circuit, where the components are connected in a single loop.

How do I identify a parallel circuit?

A parallel circuit can be identified by looking at the arrangement of the components. If there are multiple branches with components connected to each branch, it is most likely a parallel circuit. You can also use a multimeter to measure the voltage and current at different points in the circuit to confirm if it is parallel.

What are the advantages of a parallel circuit?

There are several advantages of a parallel circuit, including:- Each component has its own individual path, so if one component fails, the others will still function.- The total resistance of the circuit is lower compared to a series circuit, allowing for more efficient flow of current.- You can add more components without affecting the performance of the existing components.

What are the disadvantages of a parallel circuit?

Some disadvantages of a parallel circuit are:- It requires more wiring compared to a series circuit.- The voltage across each component is the same, so if one component has a lower resistance, it will draw more current and may overheat.- It can be more expensive to build compared to a series circuit.

How do I calculate the total resistance in a parallel circuit?

To calculate the total resistance in a parallel circuit, you can use the formula 1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ..., where Rtotal is the total resistance and R1, R2, R3, etc. are the resistances of each individual component. This formula is based on the fact that the total resistance is equal to the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of each individual resistance.

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