Understanding Simple Circuit Behavior: Exploring the Concept of I(o3) = 0

[integrate]

Hi,

I have a simple circuit question. I was just wondering why I(o3) = 0? (see link)

- Is it because current always follows the path of least resistance?
- So the current flows through the empty branch and not beyond that?
- Are the two remaining 4 kilo(ohm) useless?

http://www.angelfire.com/ct2/frames3000/integrate.html"

Thanks.

 

[Corneo]

Basically yes, you shorted out the two 4k Ohm resistors, no current is going to flow down that branch.

 

[ravenprp]

Hi there,

To understand why I(o3) = 0, we need to first understand the concept of a closed circuit. In a closed circuit, current flows from the positive terminal of the power source, through the circuit components, and back to the negative terminal of the power source. In this case, the circuit consists of three components - two 4 kilo(ohm) resistors and one empty branch.

Now, according to Ohm's law, the current flowing through a circuit is inversely proportional to the resistance of the circuit. This means that the current will flow through the path of least resistance. In this case, the two 4 kilo(ohm) resistors have the same resistance, so the current will split evenly between them. However, the empty branch has infinite resistance, which means that no current will flow through it. This is why I(o3) = 0 - because there is no path for the current to flow through in that branch.

Now, you might be wondering why the two 4 kilo(ohm) resistors are even there if they are not being used. Well, in a closed circuit, all components play a role in determining the overall resistance of the circuit. While the current may not flow through them, they still contribute to the total resistance of the circuit. So, they are not useless, they are still important in determining the behavior of the circuit.

I hope this helps to clarify the concept of I(o3) = 0 and the role of each component in a simple circuit. Let me know if you have any further questions. Happy learning!