Question Details

Find the equivalent resistance between A & B of the resistor’s network. Each value of the resistor is R.


Options

A

14R/19

B

4R/5

C

3R/4

D

4R/3

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option B

4R/5

4R/5

Solution :

The correct option is 4R/5.

Let us find the equivalent resistance between terminals A and B by utilizing the symmetry of the circuit network shown in the image.

Looking at the provided circuit diagram, we observe a symmetric network of 12 resistors, each of value R, connected between terminal A on the left and terminal B on the right.

Let us label the key nodes in the network as follows:
- A: The input terminal node on the far left.
- B: The output terminal node on the far right.
- O: The central intersection node.
- C: The upper-left junction node connected to A, O, and E.
- D: The lower-left junction node connected to A, O, and F.
- E: The upper-right junction node connected to B, O, and C.
- F: The lower-right junction node connected to B, O, and D.

To analyze the circuit, we apply a potential difference of 1 V across the terminals by setting the potentials:
VA=1V
VB=0V

Due to the top-bottom symmetry of the circuit, the potentials at the symmetric upper and lower nodes must be equal:
VC=VD
VE=VF

Due to the left-right symmetry and the applied potentials, the potential at the central node O is exactly halfway between the terminal potentials:
VO=0.5V

Furthermore, the potential distribution must satisfy the relation:
VE=1-VC

Now, let us write Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) at node C. The sum of currents leaving node C through the three connected resistors must be zero:

VC-VAR+VC-VER+VC-VOR=0

Multiplying the entire equation by R and substituting the known potential values:

(VC-1)+(VC-(1-VC))+(VC-0.5)=0

Simplify this equation to solve for VC:

3VC-1.5-1+VC=0

4VC-2.5=0

VC=2.54=58V

Therefore, we have:

VC=VD=58V

Now, let us calculate the total current I entering the network at node A:

I=VA-VCR+VA-VDR+VA-VOR

Substitute the values of the potentials:

I=1-58R+1-58R+1-0.5R

I=38R+38R+12R

I=38R+38R+48R=108R=54R

Finally, we apply Ohm's law to the equivalent network to determine the equivalent resistance Req:

Req=VA-VBI=154R=4R5

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