Solution
Related Formula
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL): Σ V = 0 V = I · ReqCore Logic
This is an unbalanced Wheatstone bridge. We can solve it by connecting an imaginary 1V battery across AB, applying Kirchhoff's laws to find the total current I, and then finding Req = V / I.
Step 1: First KVL Loop
Let total current from the 1V source be i. It splits into i₁ through the upper 6 Ω resistor, and (i - i₁) through the lower 3 Ω resistor. Applying KVL to the upper closed loop of the bridge:
6i₁ + 3(2i₁ - i) = 3(i - i₁) 6i₁ + 6i₁ - 3i = 3i - 3i₁ 15i₁ = 6i ⇒ i₁ = (2)/(5)i --- (1)Step 2: Second KVL Loop (Outer Battery Loop)
Apply KVL through the lower path and the battery:
3(i - i₁) + 6(current in next branch) = 1Wait, looking at the node splits in the solution: the current entering B from the bottom resistor is i₁, and from top is (i - i₁) due to symmetry. Equation from the lower path:
3(i - i₁) + 6i₁ = 1Substitute i₁ = (2)/(5)i: 3i + 3i₁ = 1
3i + 3((2)/(5)i) = 1 i (3 + (6)/(5)) = 1 i ((21)/(5)) = 1 ⇒ i = (5)/(21) ~AStep 3: Finding Equivalent Resistance
Req = (V)/(i) = (1)/(5 / 21) = (21)/(5) ΩGiven Req = (x)/(5) Ω. Therefore, x = 21.
Pattern Recognition
For a symmetrical unbalanced bridge (like R₁=6, R₂=3 and R₃=3, R₄=6), the currents divide symmetrically. Assuming a 1V source and tracking current i and i₁ is the fastest fail-proof algebraic method.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Current Electricity