High School Physics : Resistivity

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Example Questions

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Example Question #77 : Electric Circuits

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Which resistor has the greatest current going through it?

Assume all the resistors are equal.

Possible Answers:

 and 

 and 

Correct answer:

Explanation:

As we examine the circuit we first come across the first two resistors. These resistors are in parallel. In parallel circuits, the current splits to go down each branch. In this case, the resistors are of equal value meaning that the current is split evenly between the two.

We then come across another parallel branch with two resistors on one side and a single resistor on the other side. The two resistors in series add up to create more resistance on the top branch. The single resistor on its own has less resistance.

Since current always chooses the path of least resistance, more current will flow through the single resistor, than through the branch with two resistors in series.

Therefore,  would have the greatest resistance flowing through it.

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