Calculating Rth Error: Different Answers for Finding Rth | Physics Homework Help

  • Thread starter Thread starter GBA13
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Error
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
3 replies · 1K views
GBA13
Messages
73
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hi Guys,

I am doing a number of questions on finding Rth and can across this example. When I looked at the answers I had a different one to them but I actually think they may be wrong.

Could you guys please take a look?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


So they have Rth found (once voltages are short circuited) as Rth = 8*2/8+2 = 1.6 Ohms but that implies that one of the 2ohm resistors is it series with the 6 ohm resistor but I don't think it is. I think that both 2ohm resistors are in series and then those are in parallel with the 6 ohm so Rth is 2.4 ohms.
I may be wrong but what do you guys think?

Thanks
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2014-12-16 at 17.14.17.png
    Screen Shot 2014-12-16 at 17.14.17.png
    5.1 KB · Views: 585
Physics news on Phys.org
As you say, the text solution is incorrect. But your result is also incorrect, likely due to a calculation issue. Check your calculation.
 
What is Rth?
GBA13 said:
8*2/8+2
That would be ##\frac{8\cdot2}{8}+2##, I guess you mean 8*2/(8+2). Where does that come from?
GBA13 said:
I think that both 2ohm resistors are in series
Right.
GBA13 said:
and then those are in parallel with the 6 ohm
Only if you remove all power sources, but then the network becomes pointless.
 
mfb said:
Right.Only if you remove all power sources, but then the network becomes pointless.
GBA13 is looking for the Thevenin resistance of the network as seen at the open terminals ( ##V_{th}## ).