Parallel Circuit Physics Example 4

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Example 4

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Three resistors of 6ย ฮฉ6 \text{ } \Omega, 12ย ฮฉ12 \text{ } \Omega, and 4ย ฮฉ4 \text{ } \Omega are connected in parallel. Find the total resistance.

Solution

  1. 1
    Apply the parallel resistance formula: 1RT=1R1+1R2+1R3=16+112+14\frac{1}{R_T} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} = \frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{12} + \frac{1}{4}
  2. 2
    Find a common denominator (12): 1RT=212+112+312=612=12\frac{1}{R_T} = \frac{2}{12} + \frac{1}{12} + \frac{3}{12} = \frac{6}{12} = \frac{1}{2}
  3. 3
    Invert to find the total resistance: RT=2ย ฮฉR_T = 2 \text{ } \Omega

Answer

RT=2ย ฮฉR_T = 2 \text{ } \Omega
In a parallel circuit, the total resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistor. Adding more parallel paths makes it easier for current to flow, reducing the overall resistance.

About Parallel Circuit

A parallel circuit connects components in separate branches between two common nodes, so each component gets the full source voltage.

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