Read Rated Resistors: Test Every Element's Limit
A network voltage limit is set by the first resistor that reaches its own power rating. Reduce the circuit only after identifying voltage or current through each element.
Electricity questions depend on identifying charge, a conducting path and the condition that controls current or magnetic effect.
Start with the condition
Compare its individual power with the 16 W rating before summing total network power.
Build the governing relation
The maximum supply voltage is the smallest value allowed by any branch element.
Finish with a physical check
Check the limiting case before selecting an option: remove the special feature in the diagram or make the relevant parameter very large or very small. The result should reduce to a familiar relation.
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- ✓State the physical condition before choosing a formula.
- ✓Keep direction, sign and constraint information explicit.
- ✓Test one limiting case before committing to an option.
Using the total equivalent resistance with the rating of one resistor ignores unequal branch loading.
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