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Circuit Questions

The document provides information on calculating circuits in series and parallel. For series circuits, the total resistance is equal to the sum of the individual resistor values, and Ohm's law can then be used to solve for unknown values. Parallel circuits have multiple current paths, and the voltage is the same across each component while the total current is equal to the sum of the currents through each path. More complex circuits combine both series and parallel components and require using the rules for both.

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Catherine Dharshini Labrooy
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442 views2 pages

Circuit Questions

The document provides information on calculating circuits in series and parallel. For series circuits, the total resistance is equal to the sum of the individual resistor values, and Ohm's law can then be used to solve for unknown values. Parallel circuits have multiple current paths, and the voltage is the same across each component while the total current is equal to the sum of the currents through each path. More complex circuits combine both series and parallel components and require using the rules for both.

Uploaded by

Catherine Dharshini Labrooy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Circuit calculation practice

SERIES CIRCUITS: To solve simple circuit calculations you will need to


use Ohm’s law, which can be represented mathematically as V = I x R.
The simplest problems will expect you to use the formula in this
arrangement. More difficult questions will require you to rearrange
the formula.
If you are not confident rearranging calculations use the formula
triangle to help you find the correct formula

V = Voltmeter reading A = Ammeter Reading R = Resistor value


V (volts) [V] A (amps) [I] Ω (ohms) [R]
2 5
1.5 2
3 6
9 3
12 2
24 6

More difficult circuit problems will include more than one resistor connected in series. The
key to being able to solve these problems is remembering that total resistance is equal to the
value of both resistors added together. You can then use Ohm’s law (V = I x R) to calculate
the unknown values. Sometimes you may need to use Ohm’s law first.
Remember: if you are not confident rearranging calculations use the formula triangle to help
you find the correct formula

Resistor 1 Resistor 2 Total Voltage Current


value value resistance
(Ω) (Ω) (Ω) (V) (A)
R1 R2 R1 + R2 V I
2 2 12
1 4 25
3 12 0.5
5 10 0.2
6 24 2
1 3.6 0.9
Circuit calculation practice
PARALLEL CIRCUITS: These circuits have two or more paths for current to flow through. Often
the key to solving parallel circuit problems is knowing that voltage is the same across each
component of the parallel circuit. Often ammeters are shown in the circuit, these can usually
be ignored as they do not affect the operation of the circuit.
The second rule to follow when solving parallel circuit problems is that the sum of the
currents through each path is equal to the total current that flows from the source or back
to the source.

V R1 R2 I1 I2 I3
10 5 5

60 2 3
1.5 2 6
7.5 5 2.5
36 9 6
60 200 0.6
100 0.2 0.3

The most complicated circuits you will be expected to solve will


combine series and parallel circuits together. You will be
expected to make use of all the circuit rules you have met so far.
 total resistance is in a series circuit is equal to the value of
both resistors added together
 Voltage is the same across each component of the parallel
circuit.
 The sum of the currents through each path is equal to the
total current that flows from the source or back to the source.
 Also the total voltage of more than one cell is equal to the
individual cell voltages added together
R2 and R3
V1 V2 Total I1 I2 I3 R1 R2 R3
Combined
(V) (V) voltage (A) (A) (A) (Ω) (Ω) (Ω)
Resistance
2 2 20 10 10
1.5 1.5 15 15 15
4 6 2 4 6
3 2 2 10 5 5
5 10 1 0.5 5 20
4 2 3 3 1
12 2 6 10 3

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