Calculating voltage across resistors/capacitors in a circuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on calculating the voltage across resistors and capacitors in a circuit, specifically addressing a homework problem involving circuit analysis techniques. Participants explore various methods to determine voltages across each component.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their approach of calculating combined impedance and supply current, but expresses uncertainty about how to proceed with finding voltages across the remaining components.
  • Another participant suggests using mesh analysis, proposing to assume unknown currents in the meshes and apply Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) to derive equations for the currents.
  • A similar suggestion is reiterated by another participant, emphasizing the necessity of knowing the current through each component to find the voltages.
  • One participant expresses a lack of confidence in using KVL, particularly with more complex circuits, and requests an example to clarify the process for a specific resistor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that mesh analysis is a suitable method for solving the problem, though there is a lack of consensus on alternative methods. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for those unfamiliar with mesh analysis.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for knowledge of KVL and mesh analysis, indicating that the discussion may be limited by varying levels of familiarity with these concepts. There is also an indication that the problem involves multiple components, which complicates the analysis.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals seeking assistance with circuit analysis, particularly those looking to understand voltage calculations across multiple components in electrical circuits.

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Homework Statement


Calculate the voltage across each resistor and capacitor in the circuit.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


As shown in the pictures, I have calculated the combined impedance of all the resistors and capacitors in the circuit.

I then calculated the supply current by just simply doing the supply voltage divided by the total impedance.

I then calculated the voltage across R1 by just multiplying the supply voltage with the supply current.

I calculated R2 by just subtracting the supply voltage from the voltage across R1.

From here I don't know where to go. How do I calculate the voltage across the rest of the resistors and capacitors?
 

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I believe mesh analysis would be helpful here. Assume three unknown currents in the three meshes and use KVL to find three equations. Solve them simultaneously and get the currents. You can easily find voltage across each component then.
 
cnh1995 said:
I believe mesh analysis would be helpful here. Assume three unknown currents in the three meshes and use KVL to find three equations. Solve them simultaneously and get the currents. You can easily find voltage across each component then.
Is there any other way to do it, I don't know how to do mesh analysis.
 
I am afraid I don't see any other simpler way:rolleyes:. Since you are asked to find voltage across "each" component, you need to know the current flowing through each of them. I believe the simplest way to do it is by mesh analysis. If you were asked to find current through any particular component, network theorems such as Thevenin or Norton could be thought of but in this case, I believe you should use mesh analysis. Are you familiar with KVL?
 
The only examples I've ever did with KVL is with two loops and two voltage sources at either end. I'm not confident with it.

Can you maybe write out an example of how to work out R3 and maybe I can just pick up from there how to work out the rest of them?
 

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