Desperately needing help on a simple Kirchoff problem

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The discussion revolves around solving a Kirchhoff problem involving circuit analysis. The original poster struggles with applying Kirchhoff's laws due to a lack of understanding from previous lessons. They initially calculated the currents driven by two batteries but later revised their values after further attempts. Participants emphasize the need for three equations corresponding to the three unknown currents in the circuit, highlighting the importance of correctly marking voltage drops and current directions in the loop equations. The conversation underscores the necessity of careful analysis and systematic application of Kirchhoff's principles to arrive at accurate solutions.
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Hello people, this time I request your help for a fairly easy question, but a crucial one for me. To be honest I wasn't full awake when my teacher in university was talking on this topic( :( ), so I don't know how to solve it.

Homework Statement



Given on attachment. (Superior paint skills detected)

Homework Equations



Eh, not sure if I really need to say that, but the currents that moves in and moves out from a junction must be equal.

The Attempt at a Solution



I think I ve found the currents which batteries drive on the circuit. 50 V battery drives in 4.5 A, while 40V drives in 4.3 A.
 

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Cetullah said:
Hello people, this time I request your help for a fairly easy question, but a crucial one for me. To be honest I wasn't full awake when my teacher in university was talking on this topic( :( ), so I don't know how to solve it.

Homework Statement



Given on attachment. (Superior paint skills detected)

Homework Equations



Eh, not sure if I really need to say that, but the currents that moves in and moves out from a junction must be equal.

The Attempt at a Solution



I think I ve found the currents which batteries drive on the circuit. 50 V battery drives in 4.5 A, while 40V drives in 4.3 A.

There are several possible approaches to solving this circuit employing Kichhoff's laws (KVL and/or KCL).

The current values you've found don't look right. Can you show your work?
 
Ah sorry, I have tried to solve the problem again, and found different values. Here is my path:

Currents on junction that is between the two 10Ω's:(1)
i1+i2=i3

Currents on left loop: (2)

50-10i1-20i3+5i1=0

50-5i1-20i3=0

10-i1-4i3=0

Carrying the equation (1) into 2:

10 - (i2+i3) - 4i3=0

10-i2-i3-4i3=0

10-i2-5i3=0

Currents on right loop:(3)

40+20i3-10i2=0

4+2i3-i2=0

Solving the equations:

10-i2-5i3=0

-4 + i2 - 2i3=0

6-7i3=0

i3=6/7=0.85

i2=5.7

i1=6.55

Hoping if these are correct :)
 
1.There are 3 unknown current flowing in the circuit so you need 3 equations. There are 3 loops, left, right and the outer.

2. Mark you resistor voltage drop sign, positive or negative at its terminal. The point of current entering is positive and leaving negative.
 
You have some sign issues in the loop equations (1) and (3). Your first equation, $$i_1 + i_2 = i_3$$ defines the current directions at the top center node, and you need to respect the those implied directions when you write the KVL loop equations.

Here's your diagram with the implied current directions indicated:

attachment.php?attachmentid=49550&stc=1&d=1344108434.gif


It is often helpful to mark in the implied potential rises/drops on the individual resistors before setting out to write the KVL equations :wink:
 

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