Math

QuestionIn the figure, assume R1>R2R_{1}>R_{2}. (a) Is the potential difference across R2R_{2} more than, less than, or equal to that across R1R_{1} ? (b) Is the current through resistor R2R_{2} more than, less than, or equal to that through resistor R1R_{1} ?

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? We're checking out how voltage and current act in a circuit with parallel and series resistors!
Specifically, we're comparing the voltage and current across two parallel resistors, R1R_1 and R2R_2, when R1R_1 is bigger than R2R_2. Watch out! Don't mix up parallel and series connections!
Voltage is the same across parallel components, while current is the same through series components.

STEP 2

1. Voltage Comparison
2. Current Comparison

STEP 3

Alright, let's **tackle the voltage** first! R1R_1 and R2R_2 are connected in parallel, right?

STEP 4

And a key thing to remember about parallel connections is that the **voltage across each component is the same**!
It's like they're sharing the same electrical pressure.

STEP 5

So, even though R1>R2R_1 > R_2, the **voltage across** R1R_1 **is equal to the voltage across** R2R_2.
Boom!

STEP 6

Now, let's **dive into the current**!
Ohm's Law is our trusty guide here: V=IRV = I \cdot R, where VV is voltage, II is current, and RR is resistance.

STEP 7

We just saw that the **voltage across** R1R_1 **and** R2R_2 **is the same**, let's call it VV.

STEP 8

For R1R_1, we have V=I1R1V = I_1 \cdot R_1, so I1=VR1I_1 = \frac{V}{R_1}.

STEP 9

For R2R_2, we have V=I2R2V = I_2 \cdot R_2, so I2=VR2I_2 = \frac{V}{R_2}.

STEP 10

We're given that R1>R2R_1 > R_2.
Since R1R_1 is in the denominator for I1I_1, a **larger** R1R_1 means a **smaller** I1I_1.
Similarly, since R2R_2 is in the denominator for I2I_2, a **smaller** R2R_2 means a **larger** I2I_2.

STEP 11

Therefore, the **current through** R2R_2 **is more than the current through** R1R_1.
It's like the current finds it easier to flow through the path of less resistance!

STEP 12

(a) The potential difference (voltage) across R2R_2 is **equal to** that across R1R_1. (b) The current through R2R_2 is **more than** that through R1R_1.

Was this helpful?

Studdy solves anything!

banner

Start learning now

Download Studdy AI Tutor now. Learn with ease and get all help you need to be successful at school.

ParentsInfluencer programContactPolicyTerms
TwitterInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscord