Determine the currents in this electrical network

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing an electrical circuit to determine the loop currents i1, i2, i3, and i4. Participants are discussing the setup of equations based on Kirchhoff's laws and Ohm's law, specifically focusing on the correct application of voltage sources in the loops.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up equations for each loop using Kirchhoff's laws but questions whether the right-hand side (RHS) of the equations should include voltage values or be zero. Some participants suggest that only Loop 1 should have a voltage source, while others explore the implications of the voltage polarities in Loop 1.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the setup of the equations and the implications of the voltage sources. There is a recognition that the RHS of the equations for loops other than Loop 1 should be zero, and there is a suggestion to clarify the potential difference in Loop 1. Guidance has been offered regarding the polarity of the voltage in the equations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the voltage values in the equations, particularly whether they should be +120V or -120V, and how to determine the correct values based on the circuit setup.

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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?
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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