Everything Science Grade 10

CHAPTER 17. ELECTRIC CIRCUITS 17.4

b

b

5 Ω

17 Ω

What is the total resistance in the circuit?

SOLUTION

Step 1:Analyse the question

We are told that the circuit is a series circuit and that we need to calcu-

late the total resistance. The values of the two resistors have been given

in the correct units,Ω.

Step 2:Apply the relevant principles

The total resistance for resistors in series is the sum of the individual

resistances. We can use

RS=R 1 +R 2 +...

. We have only two resistors and we now the resistances. In this case
we have that:

RS=R 1 +R 2 +...

RS=R 1 +R 2

= 5 Ω + 17 Ω

= 22 Ω

Step 3:Quote the final result

The total resistance of the resistors in series is22 Ω.

Physics: Electricity and Magnetism 293