Current Source in Parallel with Short Circuit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of circuit elements, specifically focusing on the scenario of a 2 Amp current source in parallel with a short circuit. Participants are exploring the implications of this configuration in relation to fundamental circuit laws.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the validity of having a current source in parallel with a short circuit, particularly in terms of current distribution and voltage implications. Some express confusion about how this setup aligns with KVL and KCL.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the principles involved, with some participants offering insights into the behavior of ideal current sources and the nature of voltage across a short circuit. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being discussed, and participants are engaging with each other's reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the assumptions related to voltage differences in the context of zero resistance and the implications for current flow. There is a reference to an answer key that suggests the configuration is not contradictory, which some participants are questioning.

nickadams
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Homework Statement



Which of the following are self-contradictory combinations of circuit elements?

- A 2 Amp current source in parallel with a short circuit.

Homework Equations



KVL- "the sum of voltages around a closed loop amounts to 0.
KCL- "the current into a node equals the current out of a node.
Ohm's Law- V= IR

The Attempt at a Solution



The answer key says this is not contradictory, but I don't see how we can have such a circuit... If we had a short circuit parallel to a current source wouldn't all the current go into that short circuit branch and ignore the other branches? Then we'd just have a loop of 2 Amp current with no voltage drop... Why wouldn't that violate KVL?
 
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An ideal current source provides a given current no matter what the load is. The voltage across it is equal to the generator current multiplied by the loading resistance, zero for a short-circuit. Where is contradiction?
 
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What are the other choices you're given?
 
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ehild said:
An ideal current source provides a given current no matter what the load is. The voltage across it is equal to the generator current multiplied by the loading resistance, zero for a short-circuit. Where is contradiction?

I just always thought that in order for current to flow between two points we need a voltage difference...

Bystander said:
What are the other choices you're given?

I understand the rest of them... It was only this one I was hung up on
 
nickadams said:
I just always thought that in order for current to flow between two points we need a voltage difference...

What is the voltage difference across zero resistance according to Ohm's Law?
 
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ehild said:
What is the voltage difference across zero resistance according to Ohm's Law?

V=IR so V=I*0=0. Ok I think I see now
 

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