Grade 11 – General Physics 2

Week 3 and 4

Chapter 1 : Electric Current and Circuits

Lesson : Resistors in Series and Parallel, Kirchhoff’s rules and R – C circuits.
Most Essential Competencies:

• Draw circuit diagrams with power sources (cell or battery), switches, lamps, resistors(fixed and variable) fuses,
ammeters and voltmeters.
• Evaluate the equivalent resistance, current, and voltage in a given network of resistors connected in series and/or
parallel.
• Calculate the current and voltage through and across the circuit elements using the Kirchhoff’s loop and junction
rules (at most two loops only)
• Solve problems involving the calculation of currents and potential difference in currents consisting of batteries,
resistors and capacitors.
Objectives:

• Calculate equivalent resistance

• Compute the cost of electrical energy consumption
• Solve problems on power and energy dispersed in an electrical circuit.
Values Integration:

• Appreciate the discoveries and contributions of Franklin, Coulomb, Gauss, Volta, and Ohm in the field of
electricity.
Instructional Materials:

• Colored pen
• Ruler
• Calculator

The Watt
Energy is expended at a rate of one watt second (Ws or W*s) or joule (J), when for one volt causes a current of one
ampere to flow. In this case, we say that the power represented when one volt causes one ampere to flow is one watt. The
relation is expressed as
𝑃 = 𝑉𝐼
This is a useful equation when the voltage and current are known. Study the Ohm’s formula wheel, by Ohm’s Law,
V = IR, this value of V can be substituted in the above equation.
Thus,
𝑃 = (𝐼𝑅)𝐼 𝑜𝑟 𝑃 = 𝐼2 𝑅
This is a useful equation when the current and resistance are known. By substituting the value of I,
𝑉 𝑉2
𝑃 = 𝑉( ) 𝑜𝑟
𝑅 𝑅
This is a useful equation when the voltage and resistance are known.

Watthours – Kilowatthours
The consumer of electric energy pays for the amount of energy used by his electrical equipment. This is measured by
instrument known as watt – hour or kilowatt – hour meters. These meters record the amount of energy taken by the consumer.
Electric energy is sold at per kilowatt – hour (kWh). One watt – hour of energy is consumed when one watt of power
continues in action for one hour. Similarly, 1 kWh is consumed when the power is 1000 W and the action of energy continues
for 1 h or when a 100 – W rate persist for 10h, etc. thus, the amount of energy consumed is the product of the power and
the time. Perhaps in time kilowatt – hour meters will be replaced by mega joule meters.
 Efficiency
Because all electrical equipment contains resistance, some heat always develops when current flows. Unless the
equipment is to be used for producing heat, the heat due to the resistance of the equipment represents wasted energy. No
electrical equipment or other machine is capable of converting energy received into useful work without some loss.

The power that furnished a machine is called the machine’s input, and the power received from the machine is called
its output. The efficiency of a machine is equal to the input. That is,

𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 =
𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡

It is evident that the efficiency is always is always a decimal, that is, a number less than 1. If we require the efficiency
stated as a percentage, all that is required is to multiply the above equation by 100%. Naturally, in the above equation, the
output and input must be expressed in the same units. Hence, if the output is expressed in kilowatts, then the input must be
expressed in kilowatts; if the output is expressed in horsepower., then the input must be expressed in horsepower.

Example:

1. A voltage of 110 V across a resistor causes a current of 5 A to flow though the resistor. How much power is
expended in the resistor?

Given: V = 110 V Find P = ?

I=5A

Solution:
P = VI = 110 x 5 = 550 W

2. A motor delivering 6.50 mechanical horsepower is drawing 26.5 A from a 220 V line.

a. How much electric power is the motor taking from the line?
b. What is the efficiency of the motor?
c. If power costs Php 8.50/kWh, how much does it cost to run the motor for 8 h?

Given: V = 220 V Find: a. P

I = 26.5 A b. Efficiency
c. Cost
Solution:

And mechanical horsepower taken by the motor is

746 𝑊
𝑃 = 6.5 ℎ𝑝 = 6.5 ℎ𝑝 𝑥 = 4.850 𝑊 𝑜𝑟 4.85 𝑘𝑊
ℎ𝑝
a. The power taken by the motor is
𝑃 = 𝑉𝐼 = 220 𝑥 26.5 = 5830 𝑊 = 5.83 𝑘𝑊
𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 4.85
b. Efficiency = = = 0.832 = 83.2%
𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 5.83

c. Because the motor consumes 5.83 kW in 8 h, it will take 5.83 kW x 8h = 46.6 kWh
At Php 8.50/kWh, the cost will be 46.6 x Php 8.50 = Php 396.60

Equivalent Resistances
o Resistance in Series

In a series circuit, the various components comprising the circuit are connected that the circuit, starting from the
voltage source must flow through each circuit component, in turn, before returning to the other side of the source.
There are three important facts concerning series circuit that must be borne in mind in order to understand
thoroughly the action of such circuits and to facilitate their solution. In a series circuit:
1. The total voltage is equal to the sum of the voltages across the different parts of the circuit.
2. The current in any part of the circuit is the same; and
3. The total resistance of the circuit is equal to the sum of the resistance of the different parts.

Point 1 is practically self – evident. If the sum of all potential differences (voltage) around the circuit were not equal to
the applied voltage, there would be some voltage left over which would cause an increase in current. The increase in current
would continue until it caused enough voltage across some resistance just to balance the applied voltage. Hence,
 𝑉𝑡 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 + 𝑉3 + ⋯

Point 2 is self – evident, for the circuit components are connected that the current must flow through each part in turn
and there are no other paths back to source 𝐼 = 𝐼1 = 𝐼2 = 𝐼3⋯

To some, Point 3 might not be self – evident. However, because it is agreed that the current (I) flows through all resistors,
the equation can be used to demonstrate the truth of Point 3. Thus, by dividing each member of the equation by I, we have
𝑉𝑡 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 + 𝑉3
= +⋯
𝐼 𝐼
𝑉
And by substituting R for 𝐼 we have
𝑅𝑡 = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + ⋯
Where 𝑉𝑡 and 𝑅𝑡 are used to denote total voltage and total resistance.

(insert the Examples)

Resistance in Parallel
Parallel circuit is the most commonly used circuit. The average distribution circuits have many types of loads, all
connected in parallel with each other: lightning circuits, motors, transformers for various uses, etc. The same is true for
electronic circuits, which range from most simple parallel circuits to complex networks.
The figure on the right represents a circuit with three resistances in parallel. Resistors are in parallel if one side of each
resistor is connected to a common junction and the other side is connected to another common junction. If a source of
voltage (V) is connected across these resistors, the current (I) splits when it reaches the first junction. The voltage across
each resistor is the same and has a value (V). Thus, the current through the resistor is given by
𝑉 𝑉 𝑉
𝐼1 = , 𝐼2 = , 𝐼3 =
𝑅1 𝑅1 𝑅1

When the junction rule is applied to the circuit, the total current (I) is seen to be:
𝐼 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 𝐼3

Substituting 𝐼1 , 𝐼2 , and 𝐼3 we find that

𝑉 𝑉 𝑉 1 1 1
𝐼= + + = 𝑉( + + )
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3
If the three parallel resistors are placed by a single equivalent resistor, the current passing through it is
𝑉 1
𝐼1 = = 𝑉( )
𝑅𝑡 𝑅𝑡
For the current (I) to be the same for each circuit, the equivalent resistance must be
1 1 1 1
= + +
𝑅𝑡 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3

Kirchhoff’s Laws
In 1847, G.R. Kirchhoff extended Ohm’s Law by two important statements which have become known as Kirchhoff’s
laws. These laws can be stated as follows:
1. The algebraic sum of the currents at any junction of conductors is zero, that is, at any point in a circuit, there is as
much current flowing away from the point as there is flowing towards it.
2. The algebraic sum of the applied EMFs and voltage drops around any closed circuit is zero; that is, in any closed
circuit, the applied EMF is equal to the voltage drops around the circuit.

These laws are straightforward as for the first is self – evident from the study. When properly applied, they enable us to
set up equations for any circuits and solve for the unknown circuit components, voltages, or currents are required.

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law: Typically called KVL, states that the algebraic sum of the voltages in any loop of a circuit is
zero. This law can be easily demonstrated with the following circuit.

The indicated total voltage in the circuit as shown in the figure is 45 V. if we place a voltmeter across ends 1 and 2, we
will get the same reading 45 V.

Now, the same voltmeter is used to find the voltage drop across each resistor, the following readings were recorded

Voltage across point 2 to point 1: 𝐸2−1 = +45 𝑉

Voltage across point 1 to point 4: 𝐸1−4 = −15 𝑉
 Voltage across point 4 to point 3: 𝐸4−3 = −20 𝑉
Voltage across point 3 to point 2: 𝐸3−2 = −10 𝑉
According to KVL, the voltage measured as such will add up to zero. Hence,

𝐸𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = (+45 𝑉) + (−15𝑉) + (−20 𝑉) + (−10 𝑉)

𝐸𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 0 𝑉

Kirchhoff’s Current Law: Typically called KCL, states that the algebraic sum of all the currents entering and of all the
currents leaving at any point (node) in the circuit should be zero. In other words, the sum of currents entering a point (node)
in a circuit should be equal to the sum of the currents leaving the point. This law is demonstrated using the circuit on the
figure below.

If we solve for the values of voltage and current in the circuit using the Ohm’s law, in a parallel connection, we will
arrive at the following measurements:

𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 Total
Voltage (V) 6 6 6 6𝛾
Ampere (I) 6m 2m 3m 11 mA
Resistance (R) 1K 3K 2K 545.45 Ω

We know from the earlier discussions on parallel circuits that eh value of the total current in the circuit is equal to the
sum of the branch currents. However, if we look at the currents at each wire junction point (node) in the circuit, we would
see something else.

At each node on the negative “rail” (wire 8 – 7 – 6 – 5), we have current splitting off the main flow to each successive
branch resistor. At each node on the positive “rail” (wire 1 – 2 – 3 – 4), we have current merging together to form the main
flow from each successive branch.

If we were to consider a closer look at one particular node, such as node 3, we see that the current entering the node is
equal in magnitude to the current existing the node

According to KCL, the algebraic sum of the current entering and exiting a node should be zero. To properly use this
law, we must assign a mathematical sign (polarity) to each current, denoting whether they enter (+) or exit (-) node. Thus,
by adding them together, we arrive at a total of zero.

KVL and KCL are very important basic electrical laws to know and very useful in practical applications of designing a
circuit or a distribution system.

Measuring Current and Voltage

Kirchhoff’s laws and ideas of equivalent resistance are used to design electrical circuits. Once built, the circuits can be
tested using electrical measurements (meters) that measure the voltage at various parts of the circuit. The effect of a meter
on a circuit depends on its internal resistance or the net electrical resistance of all parts inside the meter. Meters that are
used to measure current must have a very low internal resistance while those used to measure voltage must have a large
internal resistance.

Ammeter
To measure the current flowing in one part of the circuit, a current – measuring meter called ammeter is inserted into
the circuit. The current passes through the ammeter, which indicates the value of the current. The internal resistance of
ammeters is typically 1 ohm or less.
Since the internal resistance of an ammeter is small, it can result damage to the meter if used incorrectly. An ammeter
is always connected in series inserted in such a way that allows the normal current of the circuit to pass through it without
producing a significant voltage across the wires (leads)

Voltmeter
The potential difference or voltage between two different parts in a circuit is measured by connecting the leads from
voltmeter to these points. A voltmeter should have a higher internal resistance (roughly 100 times or greater) than the
resistance of the section of the circuit across, which the voltage is being measured.
Your Turn!
Activity 2.1: Check Your Understanding

Read and analyze the questions carefully then encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. When a 10 – V battery is connected to a resistor; 2A of current flow in the resistor. What is the resistor’s value?

A. 2 ohms C. 10 ohms
B. 5 ohms D. 20 ohms

2. The electric power of a lamp that carries 2 A at 120 V is _________.

A. 16 W C. 60 W
B. 2 W D. 240 W

3. When a pair of 1 – ohm resistors are connected in series, their combined resistance is ______.

A. 1 ohm and when connected in parallel, 2 ohms

B. 2 ohms and when in parallel, 1 ohm
C. 12 ohms and when in parallel, 2 ohms
D. 2 ohms and when in parallel, 2 ohms

4. A 60 – watt light bulb is connected to 120 V plug. What is the current in the light bulb?

A. 0.25 A C. 2 A
B. – 0.5 A D. 4 A

5. What is the power rating of a light bulb when 0.8 A flow through it when connected to a 120 V outlet?

A. 12 W C. 60 W
B. 15 W D. 96 W

6. A 4 ohms resistor is connected in parallel with a 6 ohms resistor. This combination produces an equivalent resistance
of _______.

A. 2.4 ohms C. 5.5 ohms

B. 4 ohms D. 10 ohms

7. An electric heater is rated at 300 W when used in a 110 V circuit. The safety fuse in the circuit can be handle 15 A
of current. How many heaters can be safely operated in the circuit?

A. 2 C. 4
B. 3 D. 5

8. A heater uses 20 A when used in 110 V line. If electric power costs Php 8.50 per kilowatt hour, the cost of running
the heater for 10 hours is ________.

A. Php 85.00 C. Php 187.00

B. Php 109.00 D. Php 203.00

Activity 2.2: Check your understanding

Answer each item briefly.

1. Construct an electric circuit that is analogous to your circulatory system. Indicate the corresponding parts of the
two systems.
2. Describe one difference between an ammeter and a voltmeter.
3. Calculate the equivalent resistance for each circuit which is connected to 24 V battery and also find the potential
difference across 4 ohms and 6 ohms resistors in the series circuit.
4. Calculate the equivalent resistance of a parallel circuit which is connected to 12 V battery if the R1 = 4 ohms, R2 =
3 ohms, and R3 = 5 ohms. Find also the voltage across each resistance and total current through the circuit.
Activity 2.3: Apply What You Know

Write a letter of Appreciation addressed to any of the following physicist: Franklin, Coulomb, Gauss, Volta, and
Ohm. Thank them for their contributions to the study of electricity. Discuss in your letter how important these contributions
have been. Include in your letter the technological advantages offered by the use of electricity and compare life in modern
times to the life before the power of electricity was discovered. In your letter, inform them of any recent developments about
electricity that are underway. Internet resources will be very helpful in finding examples of these research studies.

Letter of Appreciation
To
______________________________________