Circuit with 2 Batteries and 6 Resistors

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a circuit problem involving two batteries and six resistors, with specific voltage values and resistance measurements provided. The original poster is attempting to determine the voltage across a particular resistor, V4, using Kirchhoff's laws and the relationships between currents in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes their attempts to apply Kirchhoff's laws to set up equations for the circuit. They express uncertainty about the correctness of their current relationships and seek additional equations. Other participants suggest reconsidering the factors that determine voltage across specific resistors and inquire about the clarity of the circuit diagram.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the analysis of voltage across resistors, and there is an indication that the original poster has made progress in understanding the relationships within the circuit.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of a circuit diagram that is difficult to read, which may impact the clarity of the discussion. The original poster is also navigating the requirements of the problem, including the need to find the potential difference between specific points in the circuit.

kjlchem
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Homework Statement



A circuit is constructed with six resistors and two batteries as shown. The battery voltages are V1 = 18 V and V2 = 12 V. The positive terminals are indicated with a + sign, The values for the resistors are: R1 = R5 = 56 Ω, R2 = R6 = 157 Ω R3 = 118 Ω, and R4 = 97 Ω. The positive directions for the currents I1, I2 and I3 are indicated by the directions of the arrows. What is V4?

Homework Equations



V=IR

The Attempt at a Solution



I have been trying to apply Kirchoff's laws for junctions and loops.

I picked 2 loops and got the following equations-

I4R4 +I6R6 = V2

R5I5 + R4I4 + R6I6 + R2I2 + R3I3 = V1

From the junction rule, I got that I1 + I3 = I5 = I2

I'm not sure if this is right though- I5 = I2 = I4 = I6

I don't know what to do next. I think I need another equation.
 

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I think you need to step back from the analysis for a moment and ask yourself, "what is determining the voltage across resistors R4 and R5?"
 
Your picture is so small it's illegible. Can you post a bigger version?
 
vela said:
Your picture is so small it's illegible. Can you post a bigger version?

If you click on it, I think it gets bigger.
 
Okay, I got that part. Now, to find I3, can I use my equations and Kirchoff's laws?
 
Never mind! Got it! The problem also asks for the potential difference between V(a) and V(b).

Is this just V=IR where R= R6 and I=I2?
 
Yes, that's right.
 
How'd you figure out I3?
 

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