Can this circuit be solved? Please explain

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a circuit diagram that a participant has shared, focusing on its solvability and the implications of voltage drops across resistors. The conversation includes aspects of circuit notation, schematic standards, and the clarity of communication regarding circuit elements.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the circuit appears simple, but the differing voltage drops across resistors complicate the use of equivalent resistance methods.
  • Another participant points out that the schematic diagram and notation used are non-standard, questioning the connections and labeling of voltages.
  • A participant emphasizes that a circuit is not complete until it is closed, implying the importance of circuit integrity.
  • There is confusion regarding the visibility of the attached image, with one participant unable to see it and seeking clarification.
  • Participants discuss the accidental deletion of the circuit image and the importance of retaining essential information in the original post.
  • The original poster later clarifies that they have solved their question and explains their notation, which indicates voltage levels at specific points without needing further circuit details.
  • Some participants express that the notation used is acceptable if all parties agree on its meaning and reference points.
  • Suggestions are made for improving the schematic to align more closely with standard practices, including the use of a ground symbol and clearer resistor orientation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity and standardization of the circuit schematic. While some agree that the original poster's notation can be understood, others highlight the potential for confusion without prior agreements on terminology. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best practices for circuit representation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in communication due to non-standard notation and the potential for misunderstanding among participants unfamiliar with the original poster's conventions. There is also an acknowledgment of the importance of circuit closure in defining a valid circuit.

Evan T
See the attached image. This circuit seems simple enough, but the fact that the voltage drop across each of the resistors is not the same means that equivalent resistance methods cannot be applied. Is more information required?

Thanks for your help!
 
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Welcome to the PF.

Your schematic diagram and notation are non-standard. Where does the bottom of the source on the left go? What do you mean by labeling the voltages at the bottom of the resistors? You need to draw this as a standard schematic before we can be of much help. How do the paths through the resistors return to the bottom of the source?
 
Evan T said:
This circuit seems simple enough,
It's not a circuit until you close it.
 
Strange but I can't see any attachment at all.
What I do wrong boss?
 
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We're having a discussion with the OP about deleting his figure. Will update in a bit...
 
The OP says he has solved his question. And we have reminded him not to delete important parts of the OP (like the schematic) after he has received replies. Thread is closed.
 
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Upon further review, the deletion was accidental and this thread is re-opened! :smile:
 
Evan T said:
See the attached image. This circuit seems simple enough, but the fact that the voltage drop across each of the resistors is not the same means that equivalent resistance methods cannot be applied. Is more information required?

Thanks for your help!
 

Attachments

  • circuit.PNG
    circuit.PNG
    58.8 KB · Views: 458
I originally tried deleting this post since I realized the answer was simple and deleted the circuit by accident.

The notation that I was using I was taught a few years ago and I am not sure if it is common or not, it simply indicates that the voltage at those points are given as V1 and V2 and further knowledge of the circuit beyond those points is not necessary (although, it does reconnect to ground eventually).
The solution is simple however, I know the voltage at all of the nodes so calculating the current along each of the branches is very straightforward (simple application of ohm's law)
 

Attachments

  • circuit_sol.PNG
    circuit_sol.PNG
    26.8 KB · Views: 501
  • #10
Evan T said:
The notation that I was using I was taught a few years ago and I am not sure if it is common or not, it simply indicates that the voltage at those points are given as V1 and V2 and further knowledge of the circuit beyond those points is not necessary (although, it does reconnect to ground eventually).

That's a fine shortcut provided everybody has agreed to it beforehand and everybody agrees on what point is zero volt reference.

You see why we were confused - we weren't party to those prior agreements.

Cheers -
 
  • #11
Thanks for reposting, @Evan T :smile:

To make it a bit closer to standard, you could show a "ground" symbol at the bottom of the voltage source, and face the resistors sideways or pointing up, with the voltages at the far nodes labeled as you have (or with round small circles instead of arrows). But now that you've explained it, it's probably okay as-is. As you learn more about electronics, you'll get used to writing more standard schematics... o_O

http://www.co-bw.com/Images_DIY/am1.gif
am1.gif
 

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