CIRCUIT ANALYSIS: 7resistors & 1 I.V.S. - Find equivalent resistance and current

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equivalent resistance (R_{eq}) and the current (i_0) in a circuit with seven resistors and one independent voltage source (I.V.S.). Participants explore various methods for calculating R_{eq} and i_0, using principles of series and parallel resistor combinations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially calculates R_{eq} as 10.3Ω and i_0 as 8A, using basic resistor equations.
  • Another participant challenges the 10.3Ω result, suggesting that the calculation does not account for the other resistors in the circuit.
  • A subsequent post proposes a new value for R_{eq} as 7.5Ω, detailing a series of calculations involving parallel and series combinations of resistors.
  • Another participant asserts that the current through the circuit should remain consistent, indicating that the total current through branches must equal the current through the 5Ω resistor.
  • One participant calculates i_0 as 3.2A based on a new R_{eq} of 12.5Ω, derived from their previous calculations.
  • A later reply confirms the calculation of i_0 as 3.2A.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the value of R_{eq}, with multiple competing calculations presented. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the correct value of R_{eq} or the corresponding current i_0.

Contextual Notes

Participants' calculations depend on the interpretation of the circuit configuration, and there are unresolved steps in the mathematical reasoning leading to different proposed values for R_{eq}.

VinnyCee
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Homework Statement



Find [itex]R_{eq}[/itex] and [itex]i_0[/itex] in the circuit below.

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3074/chapter2problem38aw0.jpg

Homework Equations



[tex]v\,=\,i\,R[/tex]

Parallel and series resistor equations.

The Attempt at a Solution



After using the resistor equations to get down to [itex]R_{eq}[/itex], I get the diagram below.

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/3425/chapter2problem38part2xf8.jpg

[tex]v\,=\,i\,R[/tex]

[tex]40\,V\,=\,i_0\,\left(5\Omega\right)[/tex]

[tex]i_0\,=\,\frac{40\,V}{5\Omega}\,=\,8\,A[/tex]

So, [itex]R_{eq}\,=\,10.3\Omega[/itex] and [itex]i_0\,=\,8\,A[/itex]?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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I don't agree that 10.3ohm is the result of the combination of the other 6 resistors.

In the second figure, surely you cannot write i0 = 40/5 without taking into account the other (10.3ohm) resistor.
 
Whoops, maybe [itex]R_{eq}\,=\,7.5\Omega[/itex]?

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/1933/chapter2problem38part3jr5.jpg

Combining the two resistors in parallel that are circled in green.

[tex]\frac{(12\Omega)\,(6\Omega)}{(12\Omega)\,+\,(6\Omega)}\,=\,\frac{72}{18}\,\Omega\,=\,4\Omega[/tex]

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/9434/chapter2problem38part4um9.jpg

Now combining the two resistors circled in green that are in parallel.

[tex]\frac{(80\Omega)\,(20\Omega)}{(80\Omega)\,+\,(20\Omega)}\,=\,\frac{1600}{100}\,\Omega\,=\,16\Omega[/tex]

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9001/chapter2problem38part5rb8.jpg

Combine the two resistors circled in green that are in series.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8697/chapter2problem38part6bu7.jpg

Combine the two resistors circled in green that are in parallel.

[tex]\frac{(60\Omega)\,(20\Omega)}{(60\Omega)\,+\,(20\Omega)}\,=\,\frac{1200}{80}\,\Omega\,=\,15\Omega[/tex]

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/7270/chapter2problem38part7ac4.jpg

Combine the last two resistors circled in green that are in parallel.

[tex]\frac{(15\Omega)\,(15\Omega)}{(15\Omega)\,+\,(15\Omega)}\,=\,\frac{225}{30}\,\Omega\,=\,7.5\Omega[/tex]

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/1525/chapter2problem38part8yh6.jpg

So how do I solve for [itex]i_0[/itex] if that is the right [itex]R_{eq}[/itex]?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
In your reduced circuit, the current should be the same through the whole circuit, right? Which makes sense, since the sum of the currents through all of those branches has to equal the current going through the 5 ohm resisitor.

You've reduced your circuit to a series circuit. Divide the voltage by the sum of your resistance.
 
[tex]V\,=\,i\,R[/tex]

[tex]i_0\,=\,\frac{V}{R}\,=\,\frac{40\,V}{12.5\Omega}\,=\,3.2\,A[/tex]

So, [itex]i_0\,=\,3.2\,A[/itex]?
 
Last edited:
yea that's correct
 

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