What is the magnitude of the potential difference between points C and D for the circuit shown in the figure? The battery is ideal, and all the numbers are accurate to two significant figures.
A) 6.0 V
B) 4.0 V
C) 3.0 V
D) 2.0 V

Question

What is the magnitude of the potential difference between points C and D for the circuit shown in the figure? The battery is ideal, and all the numbers are accurate to two significant figures. 
A) 6.0 V 
B) 4.0 V 
C) 3.0 V 
D) 2.0 V

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential difference between points C and D is equal to the potential difference across the 6 Ω resistor and the 8 Ω resistor in series. Using Ohm's Law, we can calculate the current in that part of the circuit:

I = V/R = 9.0 V / (6.0 Ω + 8.0 Ω) = 0.5 A

The potential difference across the 6 Ω resistor is then:

V = IR = (0.5 A)(6.0 Ω) = 3.0 V

The potential difference across the 8 Ω resistor is:

V = IR = (0.5 A)(8.0 Ω) = 4.0 V

Therefore, the potential difference between points C and D is 4.0 V.

What Is the Magnitude of the Potential Difference Between Points