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16 votes
A. 15

B. 1
C. 5
D. 9

The correct answer is D (I’m pretty sure) but I don’t quite get how to read the ammeter… It would be helpful if someone can explain in a few sentences why it’s 9 :)

A. 15 B. 1 C. 5 D. 9 The correct answer is D (I’m pretty sure) but I don’t quite get-example-1
User DoubleBass
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1 Answer

7 votes
Yes, D is the correct answer. The ammeter reads 9 Amps, and that current is flowing down, away from the intersection.
The reason is simple, and I'm sure you must have learned it somewhere along the way:. The sum total of all the currents INto any point in a circuit is equal to the total of the current OUT of the same point. In other words: The sum total of the current building up at any point in a circuit is ZERO.
Why ? Current is a river of electrons. If there's more current arriving at a point or leaving it, then you need something there that can create new electrons, store them, destroy them, or eat them.
The picture shows 5+7=12A arriving at the intersection, so you need 12A leaving that point. 3A + the ammeter reading = 12A.
Got it now ?

User Jelkimantis
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5.0k points