We have 4 register a b c and d of resistor 4 ohm 8 ohm 12 ohm and 24 o...
Combining Resistors to Obtain Lowest and Highest Resistance
Introduction
In this problem, we have 4 resistors of different values and we need to determine the lowest and highest resistance that can be obtained by combining these resistors.
Combining Resistors
To obtain the lowest and highest resistance, we need to combine the resistors in different ways. There are two types of combinations that we can make:
Series Combination: When resistors are connected end to end so that the current flows through each resistor one after the other. The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances.
Parallel Combination: When resistors are connected side by side so that the voltage across each resistor is the same. The total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance.
Calculating Resistance
To calculate the resistance of resistors in series, we simply add their individual resistances:
Rseries = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4
To calculate the resistance of resistors in parallel, we use the following formula:
1/Rparallel = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + 1/R4
Then, we can find the total resistance by taking the reciprocal:
Rparallel = 1 / (1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + 1/R4)
Calculating Lowest and Highest Resistance
Using the formulas above, we can calculate the lowest and highest resistance that can be obtained by combining the four resistors.
Lowest Resistance: To obtain the lowest resistance, we need to connect all the resistors in parallel. Using the formula above, we get:
1/Rparallel = 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/12 + 1/24
1/Rparallel = 0.4583
Rparallel = 2.18 ohms (approx.)
Therefore, the lowest resistance that can be obtained is 2.18 ohms.
Highest Resistance: To obtain the highest resistance, we need to connect all the resistors in series. Using the formula above, we get:
Rseries = 4 + 8 + 12 + 24
Rseries = 48 ohms
Therefore, the highest resistance that can be obtained is 48 ohms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lowest and highest resistance that can be obtained by combining the four resistors are 2.18 ohms and 48 ohms, respectively. The lowest resistance is obtained by connecting all the resistors in parallel and the highest resistance is obtained by connecting all the resistors in series.