Circuit Currents and Kirchoff's Rules: Explaining a Tricky Homework Problem

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The discussion revolves around solving a tricky homework problem related to circuit currents and Kirchhoff's rules. Users are attempting to determine the correct current values for different segments of a circuit, with initial calculations yielding incorrect results. One participant initially calculated currents X, Y, and Z but found discrepancies leading to confusion about the expected answer. Another user shared their own experience of arriving at the correct answer while grappling with the concept of zero current through a specific battery. The conversation highlights the collaborative effort to clarify misunderstandings in applying Kirchhoff's laws to circuit analysis.
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Homework Statement


The Question is number 18 in this link: http://www.sewanee.edu/physics/PHYSICS102/Ch28.pdf

The Attempt at a Solution


I Used X,Y,Z for currents.
X for the segment straight down the middle.
Y for the bottom to top segment on the left
Z for the bottom to top segment on the right
WHat i got was:
X: -.5
Y: .5
Z: 0
but these are wrong, since it doesn't lead to the correct answer which is (-5)
can you tell me what currents you have?
 
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Hi GlobalDuty! :wink:
GlobalDuty said:
The Question is number 18 in this link: http://www.sewanee.edu/physics/PHYSICS102/Ch28.pdf

(on page 6)

Show us your full calculations, and then we'll see what went wrong, and we'll know how to help! :smile:
 
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I looked at this problem yesterday and thought I had done something wrong. I got zero current flowing through the 10V battery on that side of the circuit and 0.5 amps on the other side? I did come up with the correct answer but I was attempting to use my ideas about DC circuits and Kirchoffs rules and I cannot quite explain to myself why there is no current on the left hand side or through the 10v battery. Can anyone explain? I am sorry to interject on another persons question. If I should go back and repost I will. I just wanted an explanation.

Oh snap... I just figured it out... sorry. Continue.
 
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