Memahami Rangkaian Paralel: Tegangan Pada Hambatan 20Ω

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the world of parallel circuits and figuring out the voltage across a specific resistor. This is a classic physics problem, and understanding it will give you a solid grasp of how electricity behaves in parallel configurations. So, let's get started!

Rangkaian Paralel: Konsep Dasar

First off, what exactly is a parallel circuit? Imagine a bunch of roads that all start at the same point and end at the same point, but each road has its own path. That's essentially a parallel circuit! In electrical terms, it means that the components (like resistors) are connected across the same two points in the circuit. This is super important because it has a key consequence: the voltage across each component in a parallel circuit is the same. No matter the resistance value of the component, they all share the same voltage source. So, the voltage across our 20Ω resistor is actually really easy to find.

In a parallel circuit, each path (or branch) provides an independent route for the current to flow. This is in contrast to a series circuit, where the current has only one path to follow. Because of this, if one branch in a parallel circuit breaks (like a light bulb burning out), the other branches will continue to function normally. This is why parallel circuits are commonly used in homes and other electrical systems; if one device fails, the others keep working. Another important aspect of parallel circuits is how the total resistance is calculated. Unlike series circuits, where you simply add up the resistance values, you use a different formula for parallel circuits. This formula accounts for the multiple paths the current can take, effectively reducing the overall resistance of the circuit. Understanding these core principles is key to solving problems like the one we're tackling today. We know that the resistors are in parallel, and we know the voltage of the power source, which means we know something very important.

Let's take a moment to really grasp this concept. Think of water flowing through pipes. In a series circuit, the water has only one pipe to flow through, so any restriction in the pipe affects the flow throughout the whole system. But in a parallel circuit, the water has multiple pipes. If one pipe gets clogged, the water can still flow through the other pipes. This is the essence of why the voltage stays the same in each branch. The voltage is like the water pressure, and in a parallel circuit, the pressure is the same across all the pipes (or resistors). Now, let's get down to the specific problem we have to solve. We know that the resistors $12 \ \Omega$, $15 \ \Omega$, and $20 \ \Omega$ are connected in parallel and are connected to a $12 \ V$ power supply. We must determine the voltage across the $20 \ \Omega$ resistor. The voltage is the same across all the resistors in parallel.

Menghitung Tegangan pada Hambatan 20Ω

So, back to our problem. We have three resistors ($12 \ \Omega$, $15 \ \Omega$, and $20 \ \Omega$) connected in parallel and hooked up to a $12 \ V$ power source. The question asks for the voltage across the $20 \ \Omega$ resistor. Because the resistors are in parallel, and we know the power source's voltage, we can easily determine the answer. Remember what we learned earlier: the voltage across each component in a parallel circuit is the same. Because the $20 \ \Omega$ resistor is part of a parallel circuit with a $12 \ V$ power source, the voltage across it is also $12 \ V$. This means that the correct answer is a. $12 \ V$. It's that simple! No complex calculations are needed in this case. The magic of parallel circuits makes this a straightforward problem.

Let's break it down to make sure we understand it fully. The $12 \ V$ power supply is providing the voltage to the entire parallel circuit. Since each resistor is directly connected to the power supply, it experiences the full $12 \ V$. The current will be different for each resistor depending on its resistance (as per Ohm's Law: V = IR, so I = V/R). Resistors with lower resistance will have a higher current flowing through them, and resistors with higher resistance will have a lower current. However, the voltage across them remains constant. This is a crucial difference compared to series circuits, where the current is the same through all components, but the voltage is divided among them.

So, in this particular problem, the $12 \ V$ is applied across all the resistors. Although the current flowing through each resistor will be different (we could calculate that using Ohm's Law, if needed), the voltage is the same. This is a fundamental property of parallel circuits. It is one of the most important things to understand when dealing with any parallel circuits. And remember, it’s crucial to recognize that the voltage remains constant across all the components in a parallel circuit. If we're given a parallel circuit and the voltage of the source, then the voltage across each component is simply that source voltage! We did not need to use any equations to figure out what the voltage across the $20 \ \Omega$ resistor was.

Kesimpulan

Great job, guys! We've successfully solved the problem and learned a key concept about parallel circuits. Remember, in a parallel circuit, the voltage is the same across all components. This makes calculating the voltage across a specific resistor in a parallel circuit super easy. Keep practicing, and you'll become a pro at solving these types of problems. Keep in mind that understanding the difference between series and parallel circuits is very important for understanding any circuit. Practice these concepts, and you'll find that these types of problems become much easier. And that's a wrap! Keep experimenting and exploring, and have fun with physics! Remember, practice makes perfect. So, go out there, try some more problems, and you'll become a circuit whiz in no time!