
Free electrons collide with metal ions which resist their flow
The ratio of the potential difference across the component to the current flowing through it
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A charge of 5.0 C passes through a resistor at a constant rate in 30 s. The potential difference across the resistor is 2.0 V.
Calculate the resistance R of the resistor.
Step 1: Write down the known quantities
Step 2: Write down the equation for the resistance R
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Step 3: Calculate the current I from the charge and time
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Step 4: Substitute the numbers into the above equation
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I = 0.17 A
Step 5: Substitute this value of the current into the equation for the resistance given in Step 2
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R = 12 Ω

The combined resistance of the components is equal to the sum of individual resistances


Connecting more resistors in series increases the overall resistance
The combined resistance R in the following series circuit is 60 Ω. What is the resistance value of R2?
A. 100 Ω B. 30 Ω C. 20 Ω D. 40 Ω
Step 1: Write down the known quantities
Step 2: Write down the equation for the combined resistance of resistors in series
R = R1 + R2 + R3
Step 3: Rearrange the above equation to calculate the resistance R2 of the second resistor
R2 = R – R1 – R3
Step 4: Substitute the numbers into the above equation
R2 = (60 – 30 – 10) Ω
R2 = 20 Ω
ANSWER: C

The reciprocal of the combined resistance is the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances


Connecting more resistors in parallel decreases the overall resistance

Step 1: Write down the known quantities
Step 2: Write down the equation for the reciprocal of the combined resistance (1/RTOT) of resistors in parallel
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Step 3: Substitute the given quantities into the above equation

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Step 4: Take the reciprocal of the second equation above to get the combined resistance RTOT
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ANSWER: D
The most common mistake in questions about parallel resistors is to forget to find the reciprocal of RT (i.e. 1/RT) instead of RT. Here is a maths tip to rejig your memory on reciprocals:
The reciprocal of a number is 1 ÷ number
转载自savemyexams

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