Are These Node Method Equations Correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the correctness of equations derived from the node method in electrical circuit analysis. Participants are attempting to clarify and correct the equations related to node tensions in a specific exercise.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents initial equations for node tensions but expresses uncertainty about their correctness.
  • Another participant suggests that the voltage to ground at node 2 should be labeled differently, indicating that the original labeling is incorrect.
  • A participant seeks clarification on how to correct their equations based on the feedback received.
  • There is a proposal that V0 can be expressed in terms of V2 and V1, but confusion arises regarding the distinction between currents and voltages.
  • Participants discuss the need to rewrite the equations to properly account for the currents flowing through the resistors, particularly the 800 Ohm resistor.
  • One participant realizes the correct expression for the current through the 800 Ohm resistor after receiving guidance from others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the initial equations, and multiple competing views regarding the proper formulation of the node equations remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions made about voltage references and the correct identification of currents in the circuit, which may affect the formulation of the equations.

esmeco
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I'm trying to solve an exercise on the node method but I'm not quite sure if the equations for the node tensions are right,so I was hoping if someone could give me a hand...Here are the node equations:

Node 1: v1/50 + (v1-50)/80 + (v1-v0)/40=0
Node 2: v0/200 + (v0-v1)/40 + (v0-50)/800 - 0,75=0

The link for the exercise is:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i281/esmeco/nodemethod.jpg


Thanks in advance for the help!
 
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Not quite right. Call the voltage to ground at node 2 "V2" and try again. Vo as labelled is not V2. Vo is the voltage across the top resistor, not to ground.
 
Hummm...I guess I'm not understanding quite well what you are saying...Could you or someone help me correct my equations?
 
So...V0 would be something like: v0=(v2-v1)/800 ?
 
esmeco said:
So...V0 would be something like: v0=(v2-v1)/800 ?
No, don't confuse currents and voltages. The node equations that you wrote originally were to use the fact that the sum of all currents out of each node must be zero. That's why each term is a voltage difference divided by the resistance between the voltages. Vo is just V2-50V.

Just go ahead and re-write the equations one more time using V2 as a term. Don't worry about Vo for now. In the end you will have V2, and that's enough to solve for Vo.
 
Thanks!I wasn't attending to the fact that it was the voltage what we wanted to know,I thoughtthe current instead...I think I'm getting it now...
So,the equations should be something like:

Eq. 1:(v1-50)/80 + v1/50 + (v1-v2)/40=0
Eq. 2: (v2-v1)/40 + v2/200 + v2/800 -0,75=0

Is this right?
 
Almost, but in Equation 2, you need to also account for the current flowing through the 800 Ohm resistor up on top. Add that current out of node 2 into Equation 2, and then you can solve for V1 and V2, which gives you Vo.
 
But,Isn't that current flowing through the 800 ohm resistor given by v2/800?
 
No. What is the voltage on the left side of the 800 Ohm resistor? It's not zero. So the current isn't (V2-0)/800.
 
  • #10
I got it...The current is (V2-50)/800.Thanks for the help!
 

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