Four identical resistors are connected to a battery as shown.When the switch is

Question

Four identical resistors are connected to a battery as shown.When the switch is open the current through the batter isI0 a) When the switch is open the current through the batteryincrases, decreases, or stays the same? Explain b) Calculate teh current that flows through the battery whenthe switch is closed. Give your answer in terms ofI0 Four identical resistors are connected to a battery as shown.When the switch is open the current through the batter isI0 a) When the switch is open the current through the batteryincrases, decreases, or stays the same? Explain b) Calculate teh current that flows through the battery whenthe switch is closed. Give your answer in terms ofI0 a) When the switch is open the current through the batteryincrases, decreases, or stays the same? Explain b) Calculate teh current that flows through the battery whenthe switch is closed. Give your answer in terms ofI0

Explanation / Answer

Picture the Problem: Four resistors and a switch are connected to a battery as shown in the diagram.

Strategy: The symmetric nature of the circuit gives clues to its behavior. Because the total resistances for the two paths on either side of the switch are the same, equal currents will flow through each branch. Because the top two resistors in each branch are the same, the voltage drops across each will be the same as well. That means the electric potential at either side of the switch will be the same, and therefore the potential difference across the switch is zero and no current will flow through the switch when it is closed. Use Ohm

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