Question

A p.d. of 6 V is applied to two resistors of 3 Ω and 6 Ω connected in parallel. Calculate:

(a) the combined resistance
(b) the current flowing in the main circuit
(c) the current flowing in the 3 Ω resistor. 

  

Answer 1

(a) The resistors of 3 Ω and 6 Ω are connected in parallel. Therefore, their net resistance can be calculated as:
1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂
 Here, R₁ = 3 Ώ
          R₂ = 6 Ώ
So:
1/R = (1/3) + (1/6)
1/R = (2 + 1)/6
1/R = 3/6
R = 2 Ω

(b) The current flowing through the main circuit,
I = V/R
I = 6/2 A
I = 3 A

(c) The current flowing in the 3 Ω resistor,
I = V/R
I = 6/3 = 2 A