Two resistors, with resistances `5Omega` and `10Omega` respectively are to be connected to a battery of emf 6V so as to obtain:
(i) minimum current
(ii) maximum current
(a) How will you connect the resistances in each case?
(b) Calculate the strength of the total current in the circuit in the two cases.

Explanation

(i) (a) For obtaining minimum current, the two resistors should be connected in series.
(b) For obtaining maximum current the two resistors should be connected in parallel.
(ii) (a) Given `R_(1)= 5Omega, R_(2)= 10Omega` and `V= 6V`
For series arrangement, the equivalent resistance,
`R= R_(1)+ R_(2)`
`= 5Omega+ 10Omega= 15Omega`
`I= (V)/(R)= (6V)/(15Omega)= 0.4A`
(b) For parallel arrangement, the equivalent resistance is given by
`(1)/(R)= (1)/(R_(1))+(1)/(R_(2))`
`(1)/(R)= (1)/(5)+(1)/(10)= (2+1)/(10)= (3)/(10)`
`implies R= (10)/(3)Omega`
`I= (V)/(R)= ( 6xx3)/(10)= 1.8A`