Determine potential difference (circuits)

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kyle
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Homework Statement



Va - Vb

Circuit schematic with a 50 V battery on the left and a 40 V battery on the right, resistors 10 Ohm, 20 Ohm, 10 Ohm and 5 Ohm, with terminals labeled a (upper right) and b (lower left).


Homework Equations



V = IR
Loop rule
Node rule

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm able to find each I value, as well as the direction of current. I'm not sure what to do after that. I know the answer should be 45V, but everything I've tried doesn't lead to that.
 
Choose the zero of the potential at b. Knowing the currents on each resistor, choose a path leading from b to a, find the change of potential across each element. Note that the potential decreases in the direction of flow of a current.


ehild
 
mr_pavlo said:
45,3846V exactly, that is 590/13V

It looks correct. :smile:

ehild