Simplifying

circuits with Resistors

1. Find the resistances connected in series
Sum up the individual resistances and draw a new, simplied circuit diagram: R = R1 + R2 + R3 + The current passing through each resistor is the same when they are connected in series

2. IdenDfy the resistances connected in parallel

Find the equivalent resistances of parallel combinaDons by summing the reciprocals of the resistances and then taking the reciprocal of the result. Draw the new, simplied circuit diagram (1/R)=(1/R1)+(1/R2)+(1/R3)+ For resistors connected in parallel, the voltage across each resistor is the same

Simplifying circuits with Resistors

3. Repeat the rst two steps unDl no further combinaDons can be made using the resistances 4. Use Ohms Law V= IR to determine the current owing through the nal combined resistance 5. Work backwards through the diagrams to nd the currents in the other resistors by making use of the facts stated in steps 1 and 2

Simplifying circuits with Resistors: Example 1

a) Calculate the equivalent resistance of the circuit shown. b) What is the value of the current passing through the circuit?
4 4 4

+ - V=36V

Simplifying circuits with Resistors: Example 2

A part of a circuit is shown below a) What is the combined resistance between points A and B? b) The current owing through the 8 resistance is I1 and the current owing through the 7 resistance is I2. What is the value of the raDo of the two currents I1/I2?

A 7 I2

Example on potential difference

Consider the circuit shown below. a) Is point B or point D at a higher potenDal? b) Calculate the potenDal dierence between points B and D. [Assume that the baaery of 12V has negligible internal resistance].
6 A 8 D + - 12V 12 B 2 C

Example on Resistivity
Two conducDng wires are made of exactly the same material. The rst wire has length L and radius 3r. The second wire has length 3L and radius r. What is the resistance of the 2nd wire in terms of the resistance of the 1st wire?

Finding resistance from graphs

Ohmic resistor V R A + - Baaery

Dependence of resistance on temperature

The resistance of a metal conductor is temperature dependent The resistance increases with increasing temperature The resistance at temperature T is given by

RT = R0 [1 + (T T0 )]
Where
RT is the resistance at temperature T (in C) R0 is the resistance at 0C is the temperature coecient of resistance (specic to the conductor)

Example
Constantan is a copper-nickel alloy someDmes used to make high-quality resistors. The temperature coecient of Constantan is 0.00001 K-1. A wire made from this material has a measured resistance of 5 at 0C. The wire is then heated to 100C. a) What is the percentage change in its resistance? b) Iron has a temperature coecient of 0.005 K-1. A resistance made of iron of 5 at 0C is heated to 100C. Find the percentage change in resistance.

Kirchhoffs Laws
First Law: At any juncDon in a circuit, the total current entering the juncDon is equal to the total current leaving the juncDon
I2 I1

I1 = I 2 + I 3
I3

Second Law: The net e.m.f. round a circuit loop is equal to the sum of the p.d.s round the loop
R1 R2 I1 + - E I2 R3 I3

Using Kirchhoffs Laws

ALWAYS draw a circuit diagram Express quanDDes in appropriate units (V,A,) Easier obtaining equaDons in symbols before pulng in numbers Move around the loop in one parDcular direcDon See how many unknowns you have and make sure you have an equal number of equaDons Solve the equaDons for your unknowns by subsDtuDon or as simultaneous equaDons

Using Kirchhoffs Laws

a I1 + E1 - f R1 R3 e b I3 R2 I2 c + - E2 d

At b: I3 = I1+I2 Loop fabef: E1-I1R1-I3R3 = 0 so E1 = I1R1+I3R3 = I1R1+(I1+I2)R3 Loop dcbed: E2-I2R2-I3R3 = 0 so E2 = I2R2+I3R3 = I2R2+(I1+I2)R3 Loop facdf: E1-I1R1+I2R2-E2=0 so E1-E2=I1R1-I2R2

Example
Use Kirchhos Laws to calculate the value and direcDon of the current owing through the 6 resistor in the circuit below

4V + - 2 -

5V + - 6

10

3V

To Do
From chapter 22 read secDon 22.4 (Kirkhhos Laws) Assignment wk2: DC1 (pracDcal)
Where? Physics labs (G.O. Jones 2nd oor)

Hand in your work no later than 4:00pm next Wednesday - LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED