The power dissipated in the 16-Ω resistor in the figure is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First, we need to find the equivalent resistance of the circuit. The 20 Ω and 10 Ω resistors are in parallel, so their equivalent resistance is:

1/R = 1/20 + 1/10 = 1/10

R = 10 Ω

The 8 Ω and 6 Ω resistors are in series, so their equivalent resistance is:

R = 8 Ω + 6 Ω = 14 Ω

The 14 Ω and 10 Ω resistors are in parallel, so their equivalent resistance is:

1/R = 1/14 + 1/10 = 6/35

R = 35/6 Ω

Now we can use Ohm's law to find the current in the circuit:

V = IR

12 V = I(35/6 Ω)

I = (12 V)/(35/6 Ω) = 72/35 A

Finally, we can use the power formula (P = I^2R) to find the power dissipated in the 16 Ω resistor:

P = (72/35 A)^2 x 16 Ω = 12864/1225 W

P = 10.47 W

Therefore, the closest answer choice is D) 4.0 W.

The Power Dissipated in the 16-Ω Resistor in the Figure