
Find the potential difference across each of the resistors in the diagram above.
Answer:
The potential difference across the whole circuit = 12V, but the potential across the 2 resistor R1 and R2 are unknown. In order to find the potential difference across the resostors, we need to find current passing through the resistors.
V = 12V, R = 6Ω, I = ?
V = IR
(12) = I(6)
I = 2A
For resistor R1,
R = 2Ω, I = 2A, V = ?
V = IR
V = (2)(2) = 4V
For resistor R2,
R = 4Ω, I = 2A, V = ?
V = IR
V = (2)(4) = 8V
The potential difference across the resistors R1 and R2 are 4V and 8V respectively.