Basic Circuit Problem: Find Req, v1, v2, i4

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a basic circuit problem involving the calculation of equivalent resistance (Req), voltages (v1, v2), and current (i4) in a given circuit with specified resistor values and a voltage source. The scope includes homework-related problem-solving and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims to have found the equivalent resistance (Req) to be 139.612 Ω but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of this value.
  • Another participant requests to see the steps taken to arrive at the equivalent resistance, indicating a different result.
  • A participant details their method of combining resistors R3 and R4, then R2, and finally R1, leading to a calculated equivalent resistance of 139.612 Ω, but seeks clarification on potential mistakes.
  • There is a realization that the last resistor (100 Ω) is in parallel, not in series, which may affect the calculation.
  • One participant expresses confusion about how to proceed after recognizing the parallel configuration of the 100 Ω resistor.
  • Another participant reports calculating an equivalent resistance of 28.373 Ω, suggesting a different interpretation of the circuit's configuration.
  • A later reply suggests that the question might refer to the equivalent resistance for the network to the left of the dotted line, possibly indicating a Thevenin equivalent approach.
  • One participant notes that this is early in their coursework, implying that they may not have learned about Thevenin equivalents yet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the equivalent resistance value, with multiple competing calculations and interpretations of the circuit configuration remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the circuit configuration and the interpretation of the problem statement, which may affect the calculations presented.

EngnrMatt
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Homework Statement



In the circuit below, VS = 65 V, R1 = 64 Ω, R2 = 190 Ω, R3 = 90 Ω, R4 = 290 Ω.
Find:

(a) The equivalent resistance (Req) at the dashed line
(b) v1
(c) v2
(d) i4



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I found the equivalent resistance of the circuit (139.612 \Omega) by collapsing the circuit step-by-step, but that didn't seem to work. Apparently this line is referring to something else, and I'm not sure what to do.
 

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Can you show the steps you took to find the equivalent resistance? I'm not seeing the same result.
 
First I combine R3 and R4 (290+90) which gives 380. Then I combine that with its parallel R2 (190) which gives 1/[(1/380)+(1/190)] = 126.66, then I add that to R1 (64) which gives 190.66, then combine it with its parallel (50), giving 39.612, which I then add to the last resistor, 100, to get 139.612 ohms. If I am making a mistake, I'd like to know where.
 
EngnrMatt said:
First I combine R3 and R4 (290+90) which gives 380. Then I combine that with its parallel R2 (190) which gives 1/[(1/380)+(1/190)] = 126.66, then I add that to R1 (64) which gives 190.66, then combine it with its parallel (50), giving 39.612, which I then add to the last resistor, 100, to get 139.612 ohms. If I am making a mistake, I'd like to know where.

Ah. That last resistor, 100 Ω, is also in parallel, not in series; You're want to look at the circuit from the point of view of where the dotted line is, not from where VS is connected.
 
Okay, well I'm not sure how to handle it at that point then. I did everything the same as before, only with 100 in parallel, but that didn't seem to work, so I'm all out of ideas.
 
EngnrMatt said:
Okay, well I'm not sure how to handle it at that point then. I did everything the same as before, only with 100 in parallel, but that didn't seem to work, so I'm all out of ideas.
What value did you get?
 
28.373 ohms
 
EngnrMatt said:
28.373 ohms

That's what I'm seeing, too. So...

It's just possible that they want the equivalent resistance for the network to the left of the dotted line only. This would be a common step that one might do if one wanted to replace that piece of the circuit with a Thevenin equivalent for the source and network (you may or may not have learned about Thevenin equivalents yet).
 
Definitely not, considering this is the homework for just day 3 of circuits 1.
 
  • #10
EngnrMatt said:
Definitely not, considering this is the homework for just day 3 of circuits 1.

Well, I don't know what else to suggest. That's the only likely alternative interpretation of the question that springs to mind.
 
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