DC Circuit Analysis & Thevenin Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around establishing a Thevenin equivalent for a given circuit, focusing on the application of Kirchhoff's laws. Participants share their attempts at solving the problem and seek advice on their calculations and approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their approach to the problem, stating that R3 and R4 are in series due to no current splitting, and models R2 in parallel with the combined resistance of R3 and R4.
  • Another participant suggests working from left to right through the circuit and creating intermediate Thevenin equivalents as components are simplified.
  • A participant reports calculating a potential difference across R2 of 9V and using it as a new power source for further calculations, ultimately arriving at a Thevenin voltage of 5V.
  • Another participant points out that the Thevenin resistance from the first calculation must be included in subsequent calculations, indicating a potential oversight in the previous participant's approach.
  • One participant later expresses that they figured out the solution, describing it as straightforward and acknowledging previous overcomplication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct Thevenin equivalent, as multiple approaches and calculations are presented, and some participants express uncertainty about their results.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing assumptions regarding the circuit configuration and the handling of Thevenin resistance in calculations. Some steps in the mathematical reasoning remain unresolved, and the discussion reflects varying interpretations of the circuit analysis.

elecstudent1
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Homework Statement



Need to establish a Thevenin equivalent for the circuit attached.


Homework Equations



None given. Need to use Kirchhoff.

The Attempt at a Solution



I worked out the following:
I said that R3 and R4 are in series as there is no current splitting because 0A flows into the open-circuit.

Then I said that R2 is // to (R3+R4) and modeled that as a new resistor R6 with a value of 2.25 k-ohms. I then said that R1 is in series with this R6 and got a new R7 of 3.25 k-ohms. I then worked out the current is 3.7 mA.

I then wrote that the Vth (Thevenin Voltage) is equal to the p.d. over R4 relative to ground which was 3.7 mA * 5 k-ohm which ends up around 18 V so it's clearly wrong.

Any advice please?
 

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elecstudent1 said:

Homework Statement



Need to establish a Thevenin equivalent for the circuit attached.


Homework Equations



None given. Need to use Kirchhoff.

The Attempt at a Solution



I worked out the following:
I said that R3 and R4 are in series as there is no current splitting because 0A flows into the open-circuit.

Then I said that R2 is // to (R3+R4) and modeled that as a new resistor R6 with a value of 2.25 k-ohms. I then said that R1 is in series with this R6 and got a new R7 of 3.25 k-ohms. I then worked out the current is 3.7 mA.

I then wrote that the Vth (Thevenin Voltage) is equal to the p.d. over R4 relative to ground which was 3.7 mA * 5 k-ohm which ends up around 18 V so it's clearly wrong.

Any advice please?

Work from left to right (from the voltage source towards the load) rather than the other way as you've done. Since the load is connected across R4 it shouldn't be a series element of the Thevenin resistance...

One way to approach it is to work from left to right making intermediate Thevenin equivalents as you "swallow up" successive components.
 
Ok thanks. I tried that and I got a p.d. across R2 of 9V which I used as a "new" power source for the 2nd loop.

After doing the 2nd loop, I ended up with 5V as my Thevenin voltage. Is that right?
 
elecstudent1 said:
Ok thanks. I tried that and I got a p.d. across R2 of 9V which I used as a "new" power source for the 2nd loop.

After doing the 2nd loop, I ended up with 5V as my Thevenin voltage. Is that right?

Not quite. I think you've forgotten to include the Thevenin resistance of the first Thevenin "slice" in the calculations of the next one; remember that a Thevenin model consists of both a voltage source and a series resistance...
 
Sorry for the late reply but just letting you know I figured it out. It's actually very straightforward and I was just overcomplicating it for myself (as usual). Thanks for your help!
 

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