The power dissipated in the 16-$\Omega$ resistor in the figure is
A) 8.0 W
B) 0.25 W
C) 0.50 W
D) 4.0 W
E) 3.2 W

Question

The power dissipated in the 16-$\Omega$ resistor in the figure is
A) 8.0 W 
B) 0.25 W 
C) 0.50 W 
D) 4.0 W 
E) 3.2 W

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the power dissipated in the resistor, we need to first find the current passing through it. We can apply Ohm's Law to the 12 V source and the 4 Ω resistance in series to find the total circuit resistance:

R_total = R1 + R2 = 4 Ω + (2 Ω || 6 Ω) = 4 Ω + 1.5 Ω = 5.5 Ω

Using Ohm's Law:

I = V/R = 12 V / 5.5 Ω = 2.18 A

Now, we can apply Ohm's Law to the resistor of interest:

P = I^2 * R = (2.18 A)^2 * 16 Ω = 79.75 W

Therefore, the power dissipated in the 16 Ω resistor is 4.0 W (closest to answer choice D).

The Power Dissipated in the 16- Ω\OmegaΩ Resistor in the Figure Is A) 8

The Power Dissipated in the 16- $\Omega$ Resistor in the Figure Is
A) 8