| DV |
 |
| R |
| 10 |
|
| 20 |
Three resistors, with values of 8 W, 8 W, and 4 W are connected in series to a 10-volt battery.
(a) What is the total current provided by the battery?
(b) What is the potential difference across each resistor?
First find the equivalent resistance, which is 20 W, the sum of the individual resistances.
The current from the battery is:
| I | = |
|
= |
|
= | 0.5 A |
This is the current passing through each resistor. The potential difference across each resistor can by found using Ohm's Law:
Each 8 W resistor has a potential difference DV = I R = 4 V
The 4 W resistor has a potential difference DV = I R = 2 V
The sum of the potential differences across each resistor equals the battery voltage, as it should.