From the combination of resistors with resistance values R1 = R2 = R3 = 5 and R4 = 10 , which of the following combination is the best circuit to get an equivalent resistance of 6 ?
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Answer
(2) [figure]
Solution
Find the equivalent resistance of each circuit.
(1) All four in parallel:
1R = 15 + 15 + 15 + 110 = 710
R = 107 1.43
(2) (R1 + R2) = 10 in parallel with (R3 + R4) = 15 :
R = 10 1510 + 15 = 6
(3) R1 = 5 , (R2 + R3) = 10 and R4 = 10 in parallel:
1R = 15 + 110 + 110 = 25
R = 2.5
(4) (R1 + R2 + R4) = 20 in parallel with R3 = 5 :
R = 20 520 + 5 = 4
Only circuit (2) gives 6 .
Answer: (2)