Verified Solution Science Electricity

A household circuit consists of two resistors, R1 = 6 Ω and R2 = 3 Ω, connected in parallel. This parallel combination is then connected in series with a third resistor, R3 = 8 Ω. If the entire circuit is connected to a 20 V battery, what is the current flowing through resistor R2?

7 views 1 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • A0.67 A
  • B1.33 A
  • C2.00 A
  • D0.89 A
Explanation

First, calculate the equivalent resistance of the parallel combination: Rp = (R1 * R2) / (R1 + R2) = (6 * 3) / (6 + 3) = 18 / 9 = 2 Ω. Next, find the total equivalent resistance of the circuit: Req = Rp + R3 = 2 Ω + 8 Ω = 10 Ω. The total current from the battery is Itotal = V / Req = 20 V / 10 Ω = 2 A. This total current flows through R3 and then splits into the parallel branches. The voltage across the parallel combination (Vp) is Itotal * Rp = 2 A * 2 Ω = 4 V. Since R2 is in the parallel combination, the current through R2 is I2 = Vp / R2 = 4 V / 3 Ω = 1.33 A (approximately).

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