Engineering [Circuits] Calculating voltage and current in a circuit

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating voltage and current in a circuit involving a parallel combination of resistors. The author calculates the voltage drop using the equation v_i = 2li = 42V, but there is confusion regarding the correct resistance value, which should be 21Ω for the parallel resistors of 70Ω and 30Ω. The application of Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) at a middle node is debated, with concerns about whether all sides of the node were considered. It is clarified that the current Io accounts for the other side of the node, allowing for the analysis to proceed. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying circuit laws and understanding node behavior.
ainster31
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



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How does the author do the below?

$$v_{ i }=2li=42V$$

What equation is he/she using?
 
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That should be 21i. 21 Ω is the parallel combination of the 70 Ω and 30 Ω resistors. The author is calculating the voltage drop across that pair.
 
gneill said:
That should be 21i. 21 Ω is the parallel combination of the 70 Ω and 30 Ω resistors. The author is calculating the voltage drop across that pair.

They seemed to have applied KCL at the middle node: $$i_1=i_2+I_0$$

But what about the other side of the same node? It looks like they only looked at the left-side of that node. Is that acceptable?
 
ainster31 said:
They seemed to have applied KCL at the middle node: $$i_1=i_2+I_0$$

But what about the other side of the same node? It looks like they only looked at the left-side of that node. Is that acceptable?

The current Io takes care of whatever is happening on the other side; the node was partitioned in order to "get at" the current Io . If you want, think of the horizontal wire as a zero ohm resistor separating two nodes :smile:
 
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