DC current -- Find the 3 currents in this Battery + Resistor circuit

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving for the currents I1, I2, and I3 in a battery and resistor circuit using Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) and Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL). The initial attempt at the solution led to incorrect values due to misapplication of KVL, particularly regarding the direction of current I2. After reversing the direction of I2, the correct equations were established, resulting in I1 = 3.5 A and I2 = -2.5 A. Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent current direction as defined in the circuit diagram to avoid confusion in calculations. The conversation concludes with a clarification on how to properly apply KVL signs based on current flow direction.
jake jungle
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Homework Statement


upload_2015-2-3_21-10-18.png


Find I1 , I2 and I3

Homework Equations


I = E / R
I3 = I1 - I2

The Attempt at a Solution


its the trouble with parallel different emf . I know a formula how to combine them into one but it needs inner resistance . i don't know how to do it with the ideal circuit . The combine emf will go to bigger emf or the sum of them ? and how to find the current then ? please help :(
 
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jake jungle said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 78584

Find I1 , I2 and I3

Homework Equations


I = E / R
I3 = I1 - I2

The Attempt at a Solution


its the trouble with parallel different emf . I know a formula how to combine them into one but it needs inner resistance . i don't know how to do it with the ideal circuit . The combine emf will go to bigger emf or the sum of them ? and how to find the current then ? please help :(
When in doubt, apply the basics: KVL and KCL. You've already written a correct KCL equation for the circuit. Now what can you do with KVL?
 
gneill said:
When in doubt, apply the basics: KVL and KCL. You've already written a correct KCL equation for the circuit. Now what can you do with KVL?

so i do it like this :
I1(2+4) +3I3 - 24 = 0 (KVL)
I2(5+1) + 3I3 - 12 = 0 (KVL)
I1 = I2 + I3 (KCL)

and i solve this and got I1 = 3 A , I2 = 1A , I3 = 2A
Am i wrong somewhere cause the answer should be I1=3.5A and I2 =2.5A instead
 
jake jungle said:
so i do it like this :
I1(2+4) +3I3 - 24 = 0 (KVL)
I2(5+1) + 3I3 - 12 = 0 (KVL)
I1 = I2 + I3 (KCL)

and i solve this and got I1 = 3 A , I2 = 1A , I3 = 2A
Am i wrong somewhere cause the answer should be I1=3.5A and I2 =2.5A instead
Yes, your second KVL equation is incorrect. You didn't take into account the defined direction of i3.
 
gneill said:
Yes, your second KVL equation is incorrect. You didn't take into account the defined direction of i3.

the direction of i2 and i3 quite confusing
so i reveresed the direction of i2 to apply KVL more easily , therefore i got these equations :
i1(2+4) +3i3 - 24 = 0 (KVL)
i2(5+1) + 3i3 +12 = 0 (KVL)
i3 = i1 + i2 (KCL)

and i got right answer i1 = 3.5A , i2 = -2.5A (due to reversing the direction )

However , if i don't reverse i2 , am i able to use kvl with the second loop ? cause the current is not in the same direction and it confused me .
 
Just leave the currents defined as they are on the diagram. That will make sure that the signs of the currents that you obtain will agree with their definitions on the circuit diagram.

When you do your "KVL walk" around the loop, if you pass though a resistor in the same direction as its current then you have a potential drop. If you pass through a resistor against the current flow then you have a potential rise. Write the signs of the terms in your KVL equiations accordingly.
 
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OK I got it , thanks alot
 
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