Determine the currents in this electrical network

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on setting up equations to determine the loop currents in an electrical circuit using Kirchhoff's laws and Ohm's law. The user presents their equations for four loops but questions the correctness of the right-hand side (RHS) values, particularly whether they should be -120V or 240V. It is clarified that only Loop 1 contains a voltage source, suggesting that the RHS for the other loops should be 0, while Loop 1 should reflect a potential difference of 240V. The importance of correctly identifying the polarity of the voltage in Loop 1 is emphasized. Accurate setup of these equations is crucial for solving the circuit correctly.
Edge Of Pain
Messages
21
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


This is quite an easy problem but I'm not sure if I set up my equations correctly, and I want confirmation.

We are given the following circuit:

attachment.php?attachmentid=467003&d=1443975912.png


And our task is to determine the loop currents i_{1}, i_{2}, i_{3}, i_{4}.

Homework Equations



Kirchhoff's first law: sum of currents entering and leaving a loop = 0.
Kirchhoff's second law: sum of electromotive forces = sum of potential difference of loop.
Ohm's law: V = IR.

The Attempt at a Solution


Just apply Kirchoff's laws and Ohm's laws to get the following:

loop 1:
50(i_{1} - i_{2}) + 30(i_{1} - i_{3}) = 120V

loop 2:
50(i_{2} - i_{1}) + 15i_{2} + 10(i_{2} - i_{3}) + 25(i_{2} - i_{4}) = 120V

loop 3:
30(i_{3} - i_{1}) + 10(i_{3} - i_{2}) + 20(i_{3} - i_{4}) + 5i_{3} = 120V

loop 4:
25(i_{4} - i_{2}) + 10i_{4} + 30i_{4} + 15i_{4} + 20(i_{4} - i_{3}) = 120V

I'm not concerned about finding the numerical values, I'm just wondering if I've set these equations up correctly. Are some of these supposed to be -120 volts on the right hand side? If so, how do I determine that?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Only one loop has voltage sources in it, and that's Loop 1. So the RHS of all but the first equation should be zero.

Now, you'll want to be a bit careful about the voltage in Loop 1. Note that one lead is labeled +120 V and the other -120 V. How do you think that might come about? Pencil in what the "missing" circuitry might look like.
 
  • Like
Likes Edge Of Pain
gneill said:
Only one loop has voltage sources in it, and that's Loop 1. So the RHS of all but the first equation should be zero.

Now, you'll want to be a bit careful about the voltage in Loop 1. Note that one lead is labeled +120 V and the other -120 V. How do you think that might come about? Pencil in what the "missing" circuitry might look like.

In that case, RHS of all the equations should be 0 except for loop 1 which should be 240V (potential difference). Is that correct?
 
Edge Of Pain said:
In that case, RHS of all the equations should be 0 except for loop 1 which should be 240V (potential difference). Is that correct?
Yup. Be sure to get its polarity right in your equation.
 
  • Like
Likes Edge Of Pain
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top