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
-
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:
$$ \frac{1}{R_t} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} $$
-
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:
$$ \frac{1}{R_t} = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{12} $$
-
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:
$$ \frac{1}{R_t} = \frac{3}{12} + \frac{2}{12} + \frac{1}{12} = \frac{6}{12} $$
-
Simplify the equation
Now simplify:
$$ \frac{1}{R_t} = \frac{6}{12} $$
This reduces to:
$$ \frac{1}{R_t} = \frac{1}{2} $$
-
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.
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information