- Calculate the equivalent resistance of the parallel combination of R2 and R3: 1/R_parallel = 1/30 + 1/50 = (5 + 3)/150 = 8/150, so R_parallel = 150/8 = 18.75 Ω.
- Calculate the total resistance of the circuit: R_total = R1 + R_parallel + R4 = 20 + 18.75 + 20 = 58.75 Ω.
- Calculate the total current I from the battery using Ohm’s Law: I = V / R_total = 10V / 58.75Ω ≈ 0.1702 A.
- Calculate the voltage drop across the parallel combination: V_parallel = I × R_parallel ≈ 0.1702 A × 18.75 Ω ≈ 3.191 V.
- Calculate the current through R2: I2 = V_parallel / R2 ≈ 3.191 V / 30 Ω ≈ 0.1064 A.
- Calculate the current through R3: I3 = V_parallel / R3 ≈ 3.191 V / 50 Ω ≈ 0.0638 A.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of equivalent resistance worksheet.