What is the current flow through R1 of the circuit in figure "B" of the illustration with the switch closed if the resistance of R1 is 2 ohms, R2 is 3 ohms and R3 is 6 ohms and the battery voltage is 12 VDC? Illustration EL-0019
• Identify whether R1, R2, and R3 in figure B are in series or parallel with each other and with the source. • Recall that in a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is the same as the source voltage. • Apply Ohm's Law (I = V/R) to find the current through a single resistor once you know the voltage across it.
• Look closely at how the right-hand sides of R1, R2, and R3 are connected. Do they all join back to the same return path to the battery? • If the voltage across R1 is the same as the battery voltage, what current does Ohm's Law give for R1 alone, using its resistance? • Do you need the values of R2 and R3 to find the current through R1 in this configuration, or only the voltage across R1 and its resistance?
• Confirm from the diagram that R1, R2, and R3 each have both ends tied to the same two nodes (a sign they are in parallel). • Verify that you are using the full 12 V across R1 when applying Ohm's Law. • Double-check your unit handling so the final current is in amps, and compare your calculated value with the closest choice given.
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