In physics grade 9, find Rt when R1=10, R2=2, and R3=1 in a parallel circuit.

Understand the Problem

The question is asking us to find the total resistance (Rt) in a parallel circuit given three resistors (R1, R2, and R3) with their respective values. The formula for total resistance in a parallel circuit is 1/Rt = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3. We will substitute the given values into this formula and calculate Rt.

Answer

$R_t = 2 \, \Omega$
Answer for screen readers

The total resistance $R_t$ is $2 , \Omega$.

Steps to Solve

  1. Write down the formula for total resistance in parallel

    The total resistance, $R_t$, in a parallel circuit for three resistors can be calculated using the formula:

    $$ \frac{1}{R_t} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} $$

  2. Substitute the values of the resistors

    Assuming the values of the resistors are provided as follows: $R_1 = 4 , \Omega$, $R_2 = 6 , \Omega$, and $R_3 = 12 , \Omega$.

    Substitute these values into the formula:

    $$ \frac{1}{R_t} = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{12} $$

  3. Calculate the fractions

    To add the fractions, find a common denominator. The least common multiple of 4, 6, and 12 is 12.

    Convert each fraction:

    $$ \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{12} $$

    $$ \frac{1}{6} = \frac{2}{12} $$

    $$ \frac{1}{12} = \frac{1}{12} $$

    Now substitute:

    $$ \frac{1}{R_t} = \frac{3}{12} + \frac{2}{12} + \frac{1}{12} = \frac{6}{12} $$

  4. Simplify the equation

    Now simplify:

    $$ \frac{1}{R_t} = \frac{6}{12} $$

    This reduces to:

    $$ \frac{1}{R_t} = \frac{1}{2} $$

  5. Find $R_t$

    To find $R_t$, take the reciprocal:

    $$ R_t = 2 , \Omega $$

The total resistance $R_t$ is $2 , \Omega$.

More Information

In a parallel circuit, the total resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistor. This property results from the multiple pathways for current to flow.

Tips

  • Forgetting to convert all fractions to a common denominator before adding.
  • Not taking the reciprocal correctly when finding the total resistance from the combined reciprocals.

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