Can I add these Current sources?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the applicability of adding current sources in a circuit analysis context, particularly when the sources are not in parallel and involve a voltage source. Participants explore the implications of this approach using nodal analysis and the characteristics of the circuit elements involved.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the current sources can be added if they do not flow into the same nodes, suggesting that the characteristics of the circuit may change.
  • Another participant asserts that the current sources can be added if the battery is considered perfect and without internal resistance, noting that this would yield a higher calculated battery current.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of understanding the definitions of ideal voltage and current sources in this context.
  • A suggestion is made to experiment by calculating element currents and node voltages before and after adding the sources to observe any changes.
  • There is a concern expressed about the appropriateness of providing direct answers to homework-related questions, with a call for participants to demonstrate their own efforts first.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the current sources can be added as proposed. Some support the idea under specific conditions, while others raise concerns about circuit characteristics and the implications of adding sources in this manner. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need to consider the ideal characteristics of the voltage and current sources, as well as the potential impact on circuit behavior when sources are added. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity involved in circuit analysis and the importance of thorough understanding.

ches18
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Can i add these current sources even though they are not parallel since the voltage source can be a node by applying super node? i get the same answer by using nodal analysis... but i want to know if its applicable.
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Well, do they both flow into exactly the same nodes? That is, have you in any way changed the characteristics of the circuit by adding them?
 
Sure, they can be added that way - if only the battery between the resistors is practically perfect, without its own internal resistance. But, then, you get the calculated battery current 6A more; all the other currents and voltages being exactly the same.
 
AlexCaledin said:
Sure, they can be added that way - if only the battery between the resistors is practically perfect, without its own internal resistance. But, then, you get the calculated battery current 6A more; all the other currents and voltages being exactly the same.
Alex, I think perhaps you have misunderstood the goal of PF. We are not here to spoon-feed answers, we are here to help people figure out how to get the answers for themselves. Hints are appropriate, spoon-fed answers are not.

You should read the rules:
Giving Full Answers:
On helping with questions: Any and all assistance given to homework assignments or textbook style exercises should be given only after the questioner has shown some effort in solving the problem. If no attempt is made then the questioner should be asked to provide one before any assistance is given. Under no circumstances should complete solutions be provided to a questioner, whether or not an attempt has been made.
 
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phinds said:
Well, do they both flow into exactly the same nodes? That is, have you in any way changed the characteristics of the circuit by adding them?
Well that's my concern... if it can be considered as a single node even if there's a voltage source...
 
AlexCaledin said:
Sure, they can be added that way - if only the battery between the resistors is practically perfect, without its own internal resistance. But, then, you get the calculated battery current 6A more; all the other currents and voltages being exactly the same.
i think the question if the battery is perfect is not a problem... so can i add it that way?? thank you btw bro.
 
Ches, the way to answer such questions for yourself is to just try it out. Figure out all of the element currents and all of the node voltages in the circuit, then add the sources and do it again. Do any elements have a different current? Do any nodes have a different voltage?
 
ches18, in addition to what phinds said ask yourself what the definition of an ideal voltage and ideal current source are.
 
Are spoon-feed questions appropriate here? If yes, mine would be,

How to do the required transformation of the circuit (adding the currents) in three easy steps? (Well, you may perhaps call it four steps, the second not as easy as the others.)
 
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