AP Physics C Electricity : Calculating Resistance

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics C Electricity

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Calculating Resistance

Three resistors and a battery form the following circuit.

Circuit_1

Calculate the equivalent resistance if the resistors have the following values.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, calculate the equivalent resistance of  and . Since these two resistors are arranged in series, we just take the sum of their values.

With resistors 2 and 3 combined together in a single value, the following circuit is formed.

 Circuit_2

Notice that  and  are arranged in parallel. To calculate the equivalent resistance of this parallel pair, we use the following equation.

Plug in the values, and solve for .

This is just like the circuit shown below.

Circuit_3

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