In this case, when finding the total current flowing from the battery, you need

Question

In this case, when finding the total current flowing from the battery, you need to consider the overall, or equivalent, resistance of the circuit. Suppose the voltage source provides a potential difference (voltage difference) of 6.38 V. What is the total current flowing from the battery?

These two resistors are in parallel. First, stop and trace the current flowing from the battery through the complete circuit. Is there anywhere that it splits or recombines? Second, you need to remind yourself that in this case the voltage across each resistor is the same as the voltage source. Now, what is the current flowing through resistor R1?

What is the current flowing through resistor R2?

Explanation / Answer

Here ,

for resistanes conected in parallel

1/Rp = 1/15.7 + 1/33.9

Rp =10.7 Ohm

the equivalent resistance of the two combined resistors is 10.7 Ohm

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Using ohm's law

total current in battery , I = 6.38/10.7

total current in battery , I = 0.595 A

the total current in battery is 0.595 A

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yes , the current will split at the junction of resistances

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I(R1) = 6.38/15.7

I(R1) = 0.406 A

current in R1 is 0.406 A

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I(R2) = 0.595 - 0.406

I(R2) = 0.189 A

current in resistance R2 is 0.189 A

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