1 / Total Resistance = 1 / Resistance1 + 1 / Resistance2 + 1 / Resistance3
In this case, we have three resistors: 120 ohms, 60 ohms, and 40 ohms. So, the total resistance is:
1 / Total Resistance = 1 / 120 + 1 / 60 + 1 / 40
1 / Total Resistance = (5+10+15) / 1200
1 / Total Resistance = 30 / 1200
Total Resistance = 1200 / 30
Total Resistance = 40 ohms
Now that we know the total resistance of the circuit is 40 ohms, we can use Ohm's Law to calculate the current running through the 40-ohm resistor. Ohm's Law states that the current (I) flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage (V) applied across the conductor and inversely proportional to the resistance (R) of the conductor. The formula for Ohm's Law is:
I = V / R
In this case, the voltage applied across the circuit is 120 volts, and the total resistance of the circuit is 40 ohms. So, the current running through the 40-ohm resistor is:
I = 120 V / 40 ohms
I = 3 amps
Therefore, the current running through the 40-ohm resistor is 3 amps.