Engineering Circuit analysis - current dissipated and pot. difference

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a circuit analysis problem using mesh analysis to find the circulating currents I1 and I2, the current dissipated by resistor R1, and the potential difference across resistor R3. The equations derived from the mesh analysis are presented, showing the relationships between the currents and resistances in the circuit. The importance of checking that the calculated currents satisfy Kirchhoff's Laws is emphasized, particularly regarding the direction of current flow and the correct application of polarities. The final results indicate that I1 is approximately 0.088A and I2 is approximately -0.14A, leading to a combined current I3 of about 0.288A. Consistency in defining current direction is highlighted as crucial for accurate analysis.
DevonZA
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Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



1.
upload_2015-11-14_11-50-11.png


2. i) Use mesh analysis to solve for circulating currents I1 and I2.
ii) What is the current dissipated by resistor R1?
iii) What is the potential difference across resistor R3?

3

i)
.
upload_2015-11-14_11-53-32.png


Loop ABEFA

E1-I1RI-(I1-I2)R3=0
10-10I1-40(I1-I2)=0
-50I1+40I2=-10
50I1-40I2=10 ... EQUATION 1

upload_2015-11-14_11-57-59.png


Loop BCDEB

-I2R3-I1R3-I2R2-E2=0
-40I2-40I1-20I2-I2=0
-40I1-60I2=12 ... EQUATION 2

EQ 1 X 4 = 200I1-160I2=40
EQ 2 X 5 = -200I1-300I2=60 +[/B]
= -460I2=100
I2=-0.217A

Substitute I2 into equation 1: 50I1-40(-.217)=10
I1=0.0264Aii) I=V/R
= 10/10
=1A

iii) I3=I1+I2 (KCL)
=(0.0264)+(-0.217)
= -0.1906AVR3 = I3xR3
= -0.1906x40
= -7.624V
 
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Loop BCDEB

-I2R3-I1R3-I2R2-E2=0
In their passage through R3, currents I1 and I2 are in opposite directions, so partly cancel. This means their contributions to the R3 voltage will have opposite polarities, one will have a + sign, the other a - sign.

Before using your I1 and I2 values in parts (ii) and (iii) you should have first checked that they correctly satisfy Kirchoff's Laws and your circuit. Do they?
 
Firstly - do we take exit or entrance polarities? By this I mean if we have are working in a clockwise direction would the effect of I2 on R3 be +I2R3 or -I2R3? The examples in my study guide suggest that we use exit polarities. If so then I would do the following:

Loop BCDEB (clockwise)

+I2R3-I1R3+I2R2+E2=0
40I2-40I1+20I2+I2=0
-40I1+60I2=12 ... EQUATION 2


 
Okay I think I have it now:

Loop BCDEB

+12V+40ohm(I2-I1)+2ohmI2=0
40ohmI1-60ohmI2=12V

Eq 1. x 4 200ohmI1-160ohmI2=40V
Eq. 2 x 5 200ohmI1-300ohmI2=60V -
140ohmI2=-20V
I2=-0.14A

Subst I2 into equation 1: 50ohmI1-40ohm(-.014)=10V
50ohmI1=4.4V
I1=0.088A

I3=I1-I2
= 0.088-(-0.14)
= 0.288A

 
DevonZA said:
Firstly - do we take exit or entrance polarities? By this I mean if we have are working in a clockwise direction would the effect of I2 on R3 be +I2R3 or -I2R3? The examples in my study guide suggest that we use exit polarities.
It makes no difference whether you consider clockwise to be positive or negative, just so long as you stay consistent.

If so then I would do the following:

Loop BCDEB (clockwise)

+I2R3-I1R3+I2R2+E2=0
That's right, so far.
 

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