Question:medium

Two resistors, \( 4 \Omega \) and \( 6 \Omega \), are connected in parallel, and this combination is connected in series with a \( 2 \Omega \) resistor to a 12V battery. What is the total power dissipated?

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For parallel resistors, calculate the equivalent resistance first, then proceed with the total resistance for the full circuit to find the power dissipated.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • 32.7 W
  • 28.8 W
  • 24.0 W
  • 36.0 W
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation


Compute the equivalent resistance of the parallel resistors: \[ \frac{1}{R_{\text{parallel}}} = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{6} = \frac{5}{12} \] \[ R_{\text{parallel}} = \frac{12}{5} = 2.4 \, \Omega \] The total circuit resistance is: \[ R_{\text{total}} = R_{\text{parallel}} + 2 \, \Omega = 2.4 + 2 = 4.4 \, \Omega \] Apply Ohm's law to find the total current: \[ I = \frac{V}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{12}{4.4} \approx 2.73 \, A \] Calculate the total power dissipated: \[ P = I^2 R_{\text{total}} = (2.73)^2 \times 4.4 \approx 32.7 \, W \] The total power dissipated is \( 32.7 \, W \).
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