Three resistors R₁ = 3 , R₂ = 6 and R₃ = 8 are connected in an unknown configuration. The voltage-current ( V-I ) graph for the entire combination is a straight line passing through the origin and the point I = 0.5 A , V = 5 V . Which of the following is the correct configuration of the three resistors?

Step-by-step solution

From the given V-I graph, the equivalent resistance of the combination can be calculated using Ohm's law: R_ eq = V I = 5 0.5 = 10 Now, evaluate the equivalent resistance for the given options. For a parallel combination of R₁ and R₂ connected in series with R₃ : R_ eq = ( R₁ R₂ R₁ + R₂ ) + R₃ R_ eq = ( 3 6 3 + 6 ) + 8 R_ eq = 18 9 + 8 = 2 + 8 = 10 This matches the required equivalent resistance. Answer: Parallel combination of R₁ and R₂ connected in series with R₃ .