Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0133942651
ISBN 13: 978-0-13394-265-1

Chapter 28 - Fundamentals of Circuits - Exercises and Problems - Page 790: 3

Answer

The current in the wire to the right of the junction is $1~A$ and this current flows to the left (into the junction).

Work Step by Step

We can find the current across the $2~\Omega$ resistor: $I = \frac{V}{R} = \frac{4~V}{2~\Omega} = 2~A$ Since the current flows from higher potential to lower potential, this current flows to the right (toward the junction). We can find the current across the $5~\Omega$ resistor: $I = \frac{V}{R} = \frac{15~V}{5~\Omega} = 3~A$ Since the current flows from higher potential to lower potential, this current flows downward (away from the junction). The total current flowing into a junction must be equal to the total current flowing out of the junction. Since the current flowing into the junction must be $3~A$, the current in the wire to the right of the junction is $1~A$ and this current flows into the junction.
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