3 batteries, 5 resistors using KCL & KVL

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a circuit problem using Kirchhoff's Laws, specifically finding currents and voltages across resistors. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly identifying the orientation of voltage sources and ensuring accurate calculations in loop equations. Several equations are derived for the nodes, leading to values for voltages V1 and V2, and currents I1, I2, I3, I4, and I5. The conversation highlights common mistakes in algebraic manipulation and the need for careful attention to detail. Overall, the thread illustrates the collaborative effort to clarify circuit analysis concepts and improve problem-solving skills.
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Homework Statement



1. Using Kirchhoff’s Laws, find all the currents flowing in the circuit.

2. Hence, determine the voltage across each resistor and show that all loops comply with KVL


Homework Equations



KVL and KCL



The Attempt at a Solution



Please see the pictures attached
 

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amy1983 said:

Homework Statement



1. Using Kirchhoff’s Laws, find all the currents flowing in the circuit.

2. Hence, determine the voltage across each resistor and show that all loops comply with KVL


Homework Equations



KVL and KCL



The Attempt at a Solution



Please see the pictures attached

Hi amy1983, Welcome to Physics Forums.

For your Loop 2 equation be careful about the orientation of the voltage sources; as you go around the loop in the direction of mesh current I2, both give potential rises.

Take another look at your Loop 3 equation. Again, pay attention to the voltage source polarity with respect to the current loop direction. Also check that you haven't inadvertently counted some voltage drops twice...
 
It's a bit confusing because you've taken clockwise mesh currents as negative. Also that loop 2 is not correct. As Gneill said, you've made an error with values of the voltage sources in that loop.
 
A good program to use for Nodal Analysis and Mesh Analysis is Pspice, for these kinds of circuits your answers can be checked very quickly.
 
Hi gneill / NewtonianAlch - thank you kindly for your welcome and for your suggestions, I will review this PM.
 
Hi g/neill / NewtonianAlch, I typed it all up and came up with the following according to your suggestions:

At node V_1,
I_1+I_2-I_3=0
⇒I_1+I_2=I_3
⇒(15-V_1)/(1 k)+(10-V_1)/(2 k)=(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)
⇒(30-2V_1 )+(10-V_1 )=(2V_1-2V_2)
⇒40-3V_1=2V_1-2V_2
⇒5V_1-2V_2=40
At node〖 V〗_2,
I_3-I_4-I_5=0
⇒I_3=I_4+I_5
⇒(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)=(5-V_2)/(1 k)+V_2/(2 k)
⇒2(V_1-V_2 )=(10-2V_2 )+V_2
⇒2V_1-V_2=10
Solving the two equations;
V_1=-20V &V_2=30V
I_1=(15-V_1)/(1 k)
⇒I_1=(15-(-20))/(1 k)
⇒I_1=35/(1 k)
⇒I_1=35mA
I_2=(10-V_1)/(2 k)
⇒I_2=(10-(-20))/(2 k)
⇒I_2=30/(2 k)
⇒I_2=15mA
I_3=(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)
⇒I_3=((-20)-30)/(1 k)
⇒I_3=(-50)/(1 k)
⇒I_3=-50mA
I_4=(5-V_2)/(1 k)
⇒I_4=(5-30)/(1 k)
⇒I_4=(-25)/(1 k)
⇒I_4=-25mA
I_5=V_2/(2 k)
⇒I_5=30/(2 k)
⇒I_5=15mA




Using KVL,
E_1-E_(R_1k )+E_(R_2k )-E_2=0
Where,
E_(R_1k )=I_1×R_1k
〖⇒E〗_(R_1k )=35×〖10〗^(-3)×1×〖10〗^3
〖⇒E〗_(R_1k )=35V

E_(R_2k )=I_2×R_2k
〖⇒E〗_(R_2k )=15×〖10〗^(-3)×2×〖10〗^3
〖⇒E〗_(R_2k )=30V
⇒E_1-E_(R_1k )+E_(R_2k )-E_2=0
⇒15-35+30-10=0
 
amy1983 said:
Hi g/neill / NewtonianAlch, I typed it all up and came up with the following according to your suggestions:

At node V_1,
I_1+I_2-I_3=0
⇒I_1+I_2=I_3
⇒(15-V_1)/(1 k)+(10-V_1)/(2 k)=(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)
⇒(30-2V_1 )+(10-V_1 )=(2V_1-2V_2)
⇒40-3V_1=2V_1-2V_2
⇒5V_1-2V_2=40
Okay, looks good for Node V1.
At node〖 V〗_2,
I_3-I_4-I_5=0
⇒I_3=I_4+I_5
⇒(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)=(5-V_2)/(1 k)+V_2/(2 k)
Oops. Check the polarity of the E3 source. Is it going to make the potential difference across R4 larger or smaller?
⇒2(V_1-V_2 )=(10-2V_2 )+V_2
⇒2V_1-V_2=10
 
At node V_1,
I_1+I_2-I_3=0
⇒I_1+I_2=I_3
⇒(15-V_1)/(1 k)+(10-V_1)/(2 k)=(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)
⇒(30-2V_1 )+(10-V_1 )=(2V_1-2V_2)
⇒40-3V_1=2V_1-2V_2
⇒5V_1-2V_2=40
At node〖 V〗_2,
I_3-I_4-I_5=0
⇒I_3=I_4+I_5
⇒(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)=(5+V_2)/(1 k)+V_2/(2 k)
⇒2(V_1-V_2 )=(10+2V_2 )+V_2
⇒2V_1-2V_2=10
Solving the two equations;
V_1=-20V &V_2=30V
I_1=(15-V_1)/(1 k)
⇒I_1=(15-(-20))/(1 k)
⇒I_1=35/(1 k)
⇒I_1=35mA
I_2=(10-V_1)/(2 k)
⇒I_2=(10-(-20))/(2 k)
⇒I_2=30/(2 k)
⇒I_2=15mA
I_3=(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)
⇒I_3=((-20)-30)/(1 k)
⇒I_3=(-50)/(1 k)
⇒I_3=-50mA
I_4=(5+V_2)/(1 k)
⇒I_4=(5+30)/(1 k)
⇒I_4=35/(1 k)
⇒I_4=35mA
I_5=V_2/(2 k)
⇒I_5=30/(2 k)
⇒I_5=15mA

Using KVL,
E_1-E_(R_1k )+E_(R_2k )-E_2=0
Where,
E_(R_1k )=I_1×R_1k
〖⇒E〗_(R_1k )=35×〖10〗^(-3)×1×〖10〗^3
〖⇒E〗_(R_1k )=35V

E_(R_2k )=I_2×R_2k
〖⇒E〗_(R_2k )=15×〖10〗^(-3)×2×〖10〗^3
〖⇒E〗_(R_2k )=30V
⇒E_1-E_(R_1k )+E_(R_2k )-E_2=0
⇒15-35+30-10=0
Hi gneill, Thank you for your advice. Does the remainder of the equation look okay?
 
amy1983 said:
At node V_1,
I_1+I_2-I_3=0
⇒I_1+I_2=I_3
⇒(15-V_1)/(1 k)+(10-V_1)/(2 k)=(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)
⇒(30-2V_1 )+(10-V_1 )=(2V_1-2V_2)
⇒40-3V_1=2V_1-2V_2
⇒5V_1-2V_2=40
At node〖 V〗_2,
I_3-I_4-I_5=0
⇒I_3=I_4+I_5
⇒(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)=(5+V_2)/(1 k)+V_2/(2 k)
⇒2(V_1-V_2 )=(10+2V_2 )+V_2
⇒2V_1-2V_2=10
Oops again. I think you added the V_2's from the right hand side to the left hand side rather than subtracting them from both sides. But you're getting there...
 
  • #10
I_3-I_4-I_5=0
⇒I_3=I_4+I_5
⇒(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)=(5+V_2)/(1 k)+V_2/(2 k)
⇒2(V_1-V_2 )=(10+2V_2 )+V_2
⇒2V_1-2V_2=10V_2+2V_2
⇒2V_1=10V_2
⇒2V_1-V_2=10

I know it's bad, but I am finding this electrical element difficult.
:/ Worst case scenario if I put up what I have at least it shows I made the effort!
 
  • #11
amy1983 said:
I_3-I_4-I_5=0
⇒I_3=I_4+I_5
⇒(V_1-V_2)/(1 k)=(5+V_2)/(1 k)+V_2/(2 k)
⇒2(V_1-V_2 )=(10+2V_2 )+V_2
⇒2V_1-2V_2=10V_2+2V_2
You seem to be having difficulty expanding and then collecting terms. On the LHS you've got: 2*V1 - 2*V2. On the RHS you've got: 10 + 2*V2 + V2 = 10 + 3*V2. So:

2*V1 - 2*V2 = 10 + 3*V2

Move the 3*V2 from the RHS to the LHS by subtracting 3*V2 from both sides. Then proceed.
I know it's bad, but I am finding this electrical element difficult.
:/ Worst case scenario if I put up what I have at least it shows I made the effort!

I know it can be tricky, and much of circuit analysis involves a good deal of finicky algebra. But you are indeed showing good effort and insight for what you need to do to get the result. As they say, the devil is in the details :smile:
 

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