⚛️ Physics · Current Electricity · NEET & JEE

Two cells of emf 10 V and 4 V, each having internal resistance 2 Ω, are connected to a common 2 Ω resistor in two adjacent loops. The cells drive currents clockwise in their respective loops. What is the current through the common resistor?

Answer: 1.0 A.

A 0.5 A
B 2.0 A
C 1.0 A
D 3.0 A

Correct answer: C. 1.0 A

Explanation: Let the clockwise loop currents be I₁ and I₂. Kirchhoff equations are 10 = 2I₁ + 2(I₁ - I₂) and 4 = 2I₂ + 2(I₂ - I₁). Solving gives I₁ = 4 A and I₂ = 3 A. The common resistor carries |I₁ - I₂| = 1 A.

In series, the same current flows through both resistors; in parallel, the current splits between branches and the voltage across each resistor is the same.

Concept context

Ohm's law, resistors, Kirchhoff's laws, Wheatstone bridge, and cells.

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Two cells of emf 10 V and 4 V, each having internal resistance 2 &Omega;, are connected to a common 2 &Omega; resistor in two adjacent loops. The cells drive currents clockwise in their respective loops. What is the current through the common resistor?

Concept context

More Current Electricity questions

Two cells of emf 10 V and 4 V, each having internal resistance 2 Ω, are connected to a common 2 Ω resistor in two adjacent loops. The cells drive currents clockwise in their respective loops. What is the current through the common resistor?