AP Physics C Electricity : Calculating Resistance

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics C Electricity

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 :Resistors

以下三个电阻和电池形式circuit.

Circuit_1

Calculate the equivalent resistance if the resistors have the following values.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, calculate the equivalent resistance ofand. Since these two resistors are arranged in series, we just take the sum of their values.

With resistors 2 and 3 combined together in a single value, the following circuit is formed.

Circuit_2

Notice thatandare arranged in parallel. To calculate the equivalent resistance of this parallel pair, we use the following equation.

Plug in the values, and solve for.

This is just like the circuit shown below.

Circuit_3

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