Calculate the current in amps through R2

Question

A schematic diagram of an electrical circuit is shown consisting of three resistors and one voltage source (battery). Calculate the current in amps through R₂.

 

Answer 1

Resistors R₂ and R₃ are in parallel. Their equivalent resistance is calculated from:

So 1/R_EQ = 1/70 + 1/70 = 2/70 so R_EQ = 70/2 = 35 Ω

The sum of that resistance and R₁ (R_TOTAL) is 35 + 125 = 160 Ω

Using I = V/R we calculate that the current flow through R₁ is 16/160 = 0.1 A

When that current splits between R₂ and R₃, it will split in half since R₂ = R₃ so the current through R₂ = 0.1/2 = 0.05A