Q3: Circuits
Problem Statement
In the circuit shown in the figure, an ideal ohmmeter is connected across ab with the switch S open. All the connecting leads have negligible resistance. What will be the reading of the ohmmeter?
Visual Representation
• Draw a circuit diagram
• Label all the circuit components
• List knowns and unknowns
Mathematical Representation
• Write Kirchhoff’s laws for each loop and junction in the circuit
• Use the fact that current is the same through all resistors in series and the potential difference is the same for all parallel resistors.
• Solve equation(s) for the desired unknown
• Substitute in the known values, including units, and calculate unknown value
• Check units and assess if your answer is reasonable