Question

What is the total voltage of this complex series/parallel circuit? Don't need the answer just the steps. I know the 2 formulas I have to use for parallel and series circuits, but I don't know how to arrange the them to solve for the total voltage of the whole circuit.

Answer 1

There are many ways to proceed with this problem. I would use Ohm's Law all the way. First solve for the total resistance. combine the values of R5 and R6 (7k) That is in parallel with R4 resulting in an equivalent value of 3.5k in series with R3 for a value of 5.5k in parallel with R2 (8k) this results in an equivalent resistance of 3.259k in series with R1 for a total resistance of 6.259k

Answer 2

You can now calculate the total current that is flowing thru R1. I=E/R, I=111V/6.259k or 17.734 ma. Now you proceed from left to right, ER1=IR1=17.734ma x 3k=53.2 Volts, ER2 = 111 - 53.2 volts = 57.797 volts. To calculate the current thru R3, take the voltage of 57.97 volts and divide by the equivalent Resistance of R3, R4,R5, and R6. I=E/R = 57.97/5.5k= 10.508 ma. Now calculate the voltage across R3, E=IR = 10.508 x 2k = 21.017 Volts. Now calculate the voltage across R4 as 57.797 - 21.017 = 36.780 volts. Knowing the value of voltage across R4 it is now possible to calculate the voltage across R5 and R6, using Ohm's Law.

Answer 3

Thanks, that was really clearly explained!