A cell of e.m.f 1.5 V and internal resistance 1 Ω is connected to two resistors of resistances 6 Ω and 3 Ω in parallel and a resistor of resistance 2 Ω in series as shown in the diagram.
Calculate the current through:
(a) 2 Ω resistor
(b) 6 Ω resistor
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Given,
- Emf of the cell (ε) = 1.5 V
- Internal resistance (r) = 1 Ω
- Resistances in parallel = 6 Ω and 3 Ω
- Series resistance = 2 Ω
As, 6 Ω and 3 Ω resistances are in parallel then let their net resistance be RP
$$\begin{aligned}\frac{1}{\text{R}_\text{P}} = \frac{1}{\text{R}_1} + \frac{1}{\text{R}_2} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \frac{1}{\text{R}_\text{P}} = \frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{3} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \frac{1}{\text{R}_\text{P}} = \frac{1 + 2}{6} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \frac{1}{\text{R}_\text{P}} = \frac{3}{6} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \frac{1}{\text{R}_\text{P}} = \frac{1}{2} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \text{R}_\text{P} = 2 Ω\end{aligned}$$
Now, this RP is in series with 2 Ω and internal resistance of the cell.
Then,
Net series resistance (RS) = RP + 2 + r = 2 + 2 + 1 = 5 Ω
(a) Current through 2 Ω resistor = $\frac {\text ε}{\text R_\text S}= \frac{1.5}{5}$ = 0.3 A
So, current through 2 Ω resistor is 0.3 A.
(b) Now, 0.3 A current will split between 3 Ω and 6 Ω resistors.
Let I1 is the current flowing through 6 Ω resistor and 0.3 - I1 is flowing through 3 Ω resistor.
As, 6 Ω and 3 Ω are in parallel then the potential difference across them will be equal i.e.,
Potential difference across 6 Ω = Potential difference across 3 Ω
So, by using Ohm's law (V = IR)
6 x I1 = 3 x (0.3 - I1)
⇒ 6 x I1 = 0.9 - 3 x I1
⇒ 6 x I1 + 3 x I1 = 0.9
⇒ 9 x I1 = 0.9
⇒ I1 = $\frac {0.9}{9}$ = 0.1 A
So, current through 6 Ω resistance is 0.1 A.