A battery delivers a steady current of into a section of circuit that contains two…

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Circuits · Electric Circuits

Problem

A battery delivers a steady current of

5.0\,\text{A}

into a section of circuit that contains two junctions. At the first junction, the current divides into

I_X

and

I_Y

that pass through two different resistors before recombining at the second junction. Immediately after the second junction, an ammeter in an auxiliary branch diverts

0.60\,\text{A}

away from the main return conductor. Which of the following statements must be true about the currents

I_X

and

I_Y

? (a)

I_X-I_Y = 0.60\,\text{A}

since the auxiliary ammeter draws current from only one branch. (b)

I_X+I_Y = 5.0\,\text{A}

, and

4.4\,\text{A}

returns to the battery through the main conductor. (c)

I_X+I_Y = 4.4\,\text{A}

because

0.60\,\text{A}

is subtracted before the currents recombine. (d)

I_X = I_Y = 2.5\,\text{A}

on the assumption that the resistors are identical.

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