For the circuit shown find the current in each resistor and...

For the circuit shown find the current in each resistor and the current drawn from the 40 - $V$ source. Notice that the p.d. from $a$ to $b$ is $40 \mathrm{~V}$. Therefore, the p.d. across each resistor is $40 \mathrm{~V}$. Then, $$ I_{2}=\frac{40 \mathrm{~V}}{2.0 \Omega}=20 \mathrm{~A} \quad I_{5}=\frac{40 \mathrm{~V}}{5.0 \Omega}=8.0 \mathrm{~A} \quad I_{8}=\frac{40 \mathrm{~V}}{8.0 \Omega}=5.0 \mathrm{~A} $$ Because $I$ splits into three currents: $$ I=I_{2}+I_{5}+I_{8}=20 \mathrm{~A}+8.0 \mathrm{~A}+5.0 \mathrm{~A}=33 \mathrm{~A} $$

For the circuit shown find the current in each resistor and the current drawn from the 40 - $V$ source.
Notice that the p.d. from $a$ to $b$ is $40 \mathrm{~V}$. Therefore, the p.d. across each resistor is $40 \mathrm{~V}$. Then,
$$
I_{2}=\frac{40 \mathrm{~V}}{2.0 \Omega}=20 \mathrm{~A} \quad I_{5}=\frac{40 \mathrm{~V}}{5.0 \Omega}=8.0 \mathrm{~A} \quad I_{8}=\frac{40 \mathrm{~V}}{8.0 \Omega}=5.0 \mathrm{~A}
$$
Because $I$ splits into three currents:
$$
I=I_{2}+I_{5}+I_{8}=20 \mathrm{~A}+8.0 \mathrm{~A}+5.0 \mathrm{~A}=33 \mathrm{~A}
$$

Labs

Want to see this concept in action?

NEW

Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.

View Labs

Key Concepts

Current Division

Current division is the principle that describes how the total current entering a junction in a parallel circuit splits among the available branches. The amount of current through each branch depends on the resistance of that branch, with lower-resistance paths carrying a larger share of the current. Understanding current division is vital for analyzing the behavior of complex circuits.

Ohm's Law

Ohm's Law is a fundamental principle in electrical circuits that connects voltage, current, and resistance. It states that the current flowing through a resistor is proportional to the voltage across it and inversely proportional to its resistance (I = V/R). This law is essential for analyzing and understanding how electrical circuits behave.

Resistors in Parallel

When resistors are connected in parallel, each resistor experiences the same voltage across it. The current that flows through each resistor is determined independently using Ohm's Law, while the total current from the voltage source is the sum of the currents through each parallel branch. This concept is crucial when determining how current divides among different pathways in a circuit.

Please give Ace some feedback