Transcript Slide 1

Example: calculate the equivalent resistance of the resistor
“ladder” shown. All resistors have the same resistance R.
I’ll work this “conceptually.
A
B
Here’s the key to solving Physics problems: don’t bite off more
than you can chew. Bite off little bite-sized chunks.
A hot dog. Where do you take the first bite?
A
B
Not a “law” of physics, but sometimes helps with circuits: look
for “bite-sized” chunks sticking out at one end.
Series
A
B
The new color indicates the value of the resistance is not R. In
a real problem, you would calculate the “new color” resistor’s
resistance.
Parallel
A
B
Any more bite-sized chunks?
Series
A
B
Parallel
A
B
Series
A
B
All done!
A
B