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

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion revolves around solving a circuit problem using Kirchhoff's rules, specifically related to question 18 from a physics homework assignment. Users shared their attempts at calculating the currents in the circuit, with variables X, Y, and Z representing different segments. Initial calculations yielded incorrect results, prompting further inquiry into the application of Kirchhoff's laws. Ultimately, one user resolved their confusion regarding current flow through the circuit components, particularly the 10V battery.

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  • Understanding of Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)
  • Familiarity with Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
  • Basic knowledge of DC circuit analysis
  • Ability to interpret circuit diagrams and apply Ohm's Law
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  • Review Kirchhoff's rules in detail, focusing on practical applications
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  • Explore advanced circuit analysis techniques, such as nodal and mesh analysis
  • Investigate the impact of circuit components on current flow and voltage drops
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Students studying electrical engineering, physics enthusiasts tackling circuit analysis, and educators seeking to clarify concepts related to Kirchhoff's laws.

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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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