Draw a circuit diagram of an electric circuit containing a cell, a key, an ammeter, a resistor of 4Ω in series with a combination of two resistors (8Ω each) in parallel and a voltmeter across parallel combination. Each of them dissipates maximum energy and can withstand a maximum power of 16W without melting. Find the maximum current that can flow through the three resistors.
Given P =16 W
We know P = I2R
Maximum current through 4 ohm resistor
I2 = P/R
= 16/4
= 4
I = 2 A
Maximum current through each 8 ohm resistor = 1/2 * 2 = 1 A