Calculating Current using Kirkoff's Rules

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The discussion revolves around applying Kirchhoff's rules to a DC circuit to calculate the currents I1, I2, and I3. Initial attempts at solving the loop equations led to incorrect values, particularly with I2 being negative, which raised concerns about the direction of current flow. Participants emphasized the importance of correctly identifying current directions and suggested that a negative value indicates the actual flow is opposite to the assumed direction. Through iterative adjustments and algebraic manipulation, the final values calculated were I1 = 13/8, I2 = 9/8, and I3 = 1/2, but there was confusion regarding the validity of these results based on the equations used. The need for consistency across all equations was highlighted, indicating that all calculations must satisfy Kirchhoff's laws.
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Homework Statement


Apply the loop rule to two of the three loops to calculate I1,I2,and I3.

Picture of DC circuit involved
cVrkF.jpg


Homework Equations



V=IR

The Attempt at a Solution


L1=2v+2I2-4I1=0 (simplified)
and
L3=4-4I1-5I3=0

But if you work through the algebra you'd get
I2=1
which would then make
I1=1

which does not work for the junction rule of
I3=I1-I2 cause that is 0.

The rules still confuse me when look at some of the resistors on the right side I can tell which way current flows, obviously did it wrong though, any help would be appreciated.
 
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mastervivi said:

3. The Attempt at a Solution
loop 1 --> 2v+2[/color]i2-4i1=0 (simplified)


1Ω + 3Ω ≠ 2Ω
 
Okay, re-attempted using loop one and loop two, does, this seem more accurate?

L1=12V-I1(2)+I2(1)-10V+I2(3)-I1(1)=0
=>
L1=2V-4I1+4I2=0


L2=-3(I2)+10V-I2(1)-I3(1)-8V-I3(2)=0
=>
L2=2V-4I2-5I3=0
=>
L2=2-4I2-5(I1-I2)=0
=>
L2=2-4I2-5I1+5I2=0
=>
L2=2-5I1+I2=0

So from there
I2=5I1-2


Finally plugging it all through
I1=I2+(1/2)[From the first loop equation]
=>
I1=5I1-2+(1/2)
=>
I1=(3/8)

if that's true

I2=5(3/8)-2=(-1/8) [Is a negative current okay?]

and from there

I3=I1-I2=(3/8)-(-1/8)=1/2

The negative current for I2 feels wrong, did I mess up any of the loop equation or any algebra along the way?
 
For the second loop, it should be +5I2, not -5I2
As for there being a negative current, it just means it's flowing in the opposite direction from what you set it up as in the problem.
 
Okay, think I got it

You're right it should be +5I3 because it's with the current, just like I2 works out in the first loop equation

L1=2-4I1+4I2=0

Using this to solve for I1

I1=I2+(1/2)

Now I did this wrong, so going back through the derivation of this loop equation

L2=-3I2+10-I2+2I3+I3-8+2I3=0
=>
2-4I2+5I3=0
=>
2-4I2+5(I1-I2)=0
=>
L2=1+5I1-9I2=0


Using that to solve for I2

I2=(5/9)I1+(2/9)

Solving for the numerical value of I1
I1=((5/9)I1+(2/9))+(1/2)
=>
I1=(5/9)I1+(13/18)
=>
(4/9)I1=(13/18)
=>
I1=(13/8)


Solving for the numerical Value of I2

I2=(5/9)(13/8)+(2/9)
=>
I2=(9/8)


Which Finally implies

I3=I1-I2
=>
I3=(13/8)-(9/8)=(1/2)

Aye?Nay?
 
correct
quick note: you had I1=I2+1/2, so you could have easily figured out I3 right then and there. I3 = I1-I2 = I2+1/2-I2 = 1/2
 
frogjg2003 said:
correct
quick note: you had I1=I2+1/2, so you could have easily figured out I3 right then and there. I3 = I1-I2 = I2+1/2-I2 = 1/2

really?

MasterVivi said:
...
L2=1+5I1-9I2=0
...
I1=(13/8)
...
I2=(9/8)
Which Finally implies
I3=(13/8)-(9/8)=(1/2)
Aye?Nay?



L2=1+5I1-9I2=0
i1=13/8
i2=9/8
ergo:
1+5*(13/8)-9*(9/8)=0
8/8+65/8-81/8=0
73/8-81/8=0
-8/8=0
-1=0 ?

Don't all 4 equations have to come out correctly?
 
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