Semantics

Jun 02, 2006 3 Replies

Hi nice folks,



I am concerned with "integrating" semantics and math on the following:


--------- R1 --- R2 ---- | | E | | |



------------------------


In case the above gets jumbled, it is a voltage source, resistor R1, and resistor R2 all connected in series, where



E = 12 volts R1 = 5 ohms R2 = 10 ohms



By the voltage divider rule, the voltage across R1 is: E1 = E * R1/(R1+R2) = 4 volts



Power dissipated in R1 is:



P1 = E^2/(R1+R2) * R1/(R1+R2) = 3.2 watts.



I have stated in a paper: "The power into R1 is the total power being dissipated by the source times the ratio of R1 to the total resistance, analogous to the voltage divider rule."



However it seems to me there should be a relatively common title for the power division process, perhaps "The power division rule", same as there is for voltage division. Is this true, and am I just unaware of such? TIA



ns



Do not bother with a rule for every little variation. Understand enough so that you can solve a problem. That is KISS. That is: Keep it simple stupid. You seem to know enough algebra so that if you really must have a rule, you are capable of deriving it for yourself.

Bill

-- Ferme le Bush

Yes, I was going to keep it simple if there is a so-called power division rule, and write: "The power from the source dissipated into R1 by the power division rule is ....."

BTW what is this Ferme le Bush business?

How about faux pas le Bush?

ns

Explanation is not useful. Look up bouche in a French-English dictionary

-- Ferme le Bush

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required