Circuit with only resistors and multiple batteries

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing circuits composed solely of resistors and multiple batteries, specifically addressing the application of Kirchhoff's rules for determining current and voltage. Participants clarify that the identification of positive and negative sides on resistors is contingent upon solving the circuit. When applying Kirchhoff's laws, it is essential to choose a direction for current flow; voltage drops occur in the direction of the current. If the calculated current is negative, it indicates an incorrect initial assumption about the current's direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
  • Familiarity with Ohm's Law
  • Basic knowledge of circuit analysis techniques
  • Ability to interpret circuit diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) for comprehensive circuit analysis
  • Explore advanced circuit simulation tools like LTspice
  • Learn about mesh and nodal analysis methods
  • Investigate the impact of component tolerances on circuit behavior
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and hobbyists interested in mastering circuit analysis and applying Kirchhoff's laws effectively.

driedupfish
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
in a simple circuit with only resistors and multiple batteries and multiple loops, which side is the positive and negative on the resistors? I am referring to the case of Kirchhoff rule in which I have to come up with equations to solve for current or voltage. But I got confused on voltage drop and gain thing.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Do you mean "what side is positive and negative" in the real circuit, or what side should you choose + and - when solving the circuit?

If the former - you can't tell until you solve the circuit!

If the later - I always choose a direction for the current in each branch, voltage drops in the direction of the current. I thought of the choice of direction as a guess; if a current turns up negative, it means I guessed wrong.

Does this help?
 


yes, thanks a lot.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K