Question
A circuit powered by a 18.0 V battery is comprised of three identical resistors in series. An ammeter reading reveals a current of 0.400 A. Determine the resistance of each resistor and the voltage drop across each resistor.
Solution
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(325 Votes)
Astrid
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
Here's how to solve this problem:1. **Calculate the total resistance (R_total):** Ohm's Law states V = IR, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance. We can rearrange this to find the total resistance: R_total = V / I R_total = 18.0 V / 0.400 A = 45.0 Ω2. **Calculate the resistance of each resistor (R_individual):** Since the resistors are identical and connected in series, the total resistance is simply the sum of the individual resistances. With three resistors: R_total = 3 * R_individual R_individual = R_total / 3 = 45.0 Ω / 3 = 15.0 Ω3. **Calculate the voltage drop across each resistor (V_individual):** In a series circuit, the current through each resistor is the same. We can use Ohm's Law (V = IR) for each individual resistor: V_individual = I * R_individual = 0.400 A * 15.0 Ω = 6.00 V**Answer:*** Resistance of each resistor: 15.0 Ω* Voltage drop across each resistor: 6.00 V