
simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab
The circuit above has total power dissipation of 60 watts. I need to calculate:
- Resistance of R2
Since it is given that total power is 60 watts, and the series circuit has 120v, then we can calculate total resistance to be RT = (120*120)/60 = 240 ohms
We know we currently have a total known resistance of R1 + R3 = 180 ohms. So R2 = 240 - 180 = 60 Ohms
- Current in the circuit
If we calculated resistance of R2 correctly, then we know RT = R1+R2+R3 = 240 ohms
We know voltage gain VT = 120 Volts.
So total current: IT = VT/RT = 120/240 = 0.5 Amps
- Voltage across each resistor
Voltage across R1 = V1 = (0.5 A) * (80 ohms) = 40 Volts
Voltage across R2 = V1 = (0.5 A) * (60 ohms) = 30 Volts
Voltage across R3 = V1 = (0.5 A) * (100 ohms) = 50 Volts
To check if our answer is correct we total the voltages 40+30+50 = 120 Volts which is our total voltage.
Are my answers correct?