Circuit Theory Question KCL and Dependent Sources?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a circuit theory problem involving Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) and dependent sources. Participants are attempting to find the currents and voltages in a given circuit, particularly focusing on the current Io and the voltage Vx, using KCL and other circuit analysis techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to apply KCL to the circuit and seeks guidance on finding Io and Vx.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of showing an attempt at the solution to facilitate proper understanding and assistance.
  • There is a suggestion that the initial equation proposed by the first participant contains an error, indicating the need for additional equations due to multiple unknowns.
  • Further elaboration on the node analysis is provided, with a breakdown of the relationships between the currents and voltages in the circuit.
  • Participants discuss the need for a second equation to solve for the unknowns Io and Vx, highlighting the complexity of the circuit analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to apply KCL and identify the relationships between the circuit elements, but there is no consensus on the correct approach or the specific equations to use, as multiple interpretations and methods are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the presence of dependent sources and multiple nodes, which complicates the analysis. There are also references to potential errors in initial equations and the necessity of additional equations to resolve the unknowns.

Jose F Gomez D
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Homework Statement


I need to find the voltages (if any) and currents of these circuit, but particularly Io
I do know that I have to use KCL bot I don't know how, can somebody help me with a node or somethinghttps://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/c2-jpg.80412/

I do not have any other info apart from this image

Homework Equations



C2.jpg

KCL

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know how to tackle this problem
I think by KCL

-Io = -I(Vx)+5A-3Vx

but not sure

and how do I find Vx? is
Vx=I(5 amp)*R(4 ohm)=5*4=20 volts ?

then the dependent current is 3*20=60 volts? but is current it should be on ampere not volt

or should I solve the resistors and get Req
1/ (1/(8+4)+1/6) = 4 ohm = Req

C2.jpg


there is one node on the top and another one on the bottom, but that one is ground, so shoul I transform the current source and the Io resistor into a voltage source?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Why don't you try applying KCL yourself and show us what you get. Note that providing an attempt is mandatory according to forum rules, we need to see where/if you go wrong to help you properly with your understanding.
 
Jose F Gomez D said:

Homework Statement


I need to find the voltages (if any) and currents of these circuit, but particularly Io
I do know that I have to use KCL bot I don't know how, can somebody help me with a node or somethinghttps://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/c2-jpg.80412/

I do not have any other info apart from this image

Homework Equations



View attachment 80414
KCL

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know how to tackle this problem
I think by KCL

-Io = -I(Vx)+5A-3Vx

but not sure

and how do I find Vx? is
Vx=I(5 amp)*R(4 ohm)=5*4=20 volts ?

then the dependent current is 3*20=60 volts? but is current it should be on ampere not volt

or should I solve the resistors and get Req
1/ (1/(8+4)+1/6) = 4 ohm = Req

View attachment 80414

there is one node on the top and another one on the bottom, but that one is ground, so shoul I transform the current source and the Io resistor into a voltage source?
you are on the right track

-Io = -I(Vx)+5A-3Vx There is an error in this equation.

Remember that in most cases you must have one equation for every unknown.
This implies that you might have to apply Kirchhoff's laws one more time (seeing as there are two unknowns).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
donpacino said:
you are on the right track

-Io = -I(Vx)+5A-3Vx There is an error in this equation.

Remember that in most cases you must have one equation for every unknown.
This implies that you might have to apply Kirchhoff's laws one more time (seeing as there are two unknowns).

so my node is 5 (the current source) = Io (the one I need to find) + 3Vx (the one with the dependent source) + I1 (the one with the 8 and 4 resistances)

5=Io+3Vx+I1

I1=Vt/12
Vt=V(in 4)+V(in 8)
Vt=Vx+2Vx
Vt = 3 Vx

I1 = Vx/4

my unknowns are Io and Vx,

5=Io+3Vx+Vx/4

I really have no clue where is the other equation
 
Jose F Gomez D said:
so my node is 5 (the current source) = Io (the one I need to find) + 3Vx (the one with the dependent source) + I1 (the one with the 8 and 4 resistances)

5=Io+3Vx+I1

I1=Vt/12
Vt=V(in 4)+V(in 8)
Vt=Vx+2Vx
Vt = 3 Vx

I1 = Vx/4

my unknowns are Io and Vx,

5=Io+3Vx+Vx/4

I really have no clue where is the other equation
I see 3 voltage nodes. If you reference one as ground, the other two are unknown.
 

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