2. A 5.0 Ω resistor is hooked up in series with a 3.0 Ω resistor followed by a 2.0 Ω resistor. The circuit is powered by a 12.0 V battery.

Question

a)   Draw a labeled circuit diagram for the circuit described.

b)   Calculate the equivalent resistance.

c)   Calculate the voltage drop across each resistor in the circuit.

Answer 1

a. I can't draw a diagram, but it seems to be a simple series circuit.

b. In a series circuit, the equivalent resistance is the sum of all the resistances in the series circuit. In this case, 10 ohms.

c. First find the current using Ohm's law, I = E / R = 12V / 10 ohms = 1.2 amps. In a series circuit, the current is the same for all resistors.

Next multiply the current times the individual resistances to find the voltage drops across each resistor.

1.2 x 5.0 ohms = 6 volts, 1.2 x 3.0 ohms = 3.6 volts, 1.2 x 2.0 ohms = 2.4 volts