Diagonal Series/Parallel Circuit

  • Thread starter Thread starter mirroredeyes
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Circuit
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the analysis of a diagonal series/parallel circuit, focusing on the calculation of currents through various resistors and the implications of errors in these calculations. Participants are reviewing a test question and seeking clarification on the correct application of circuit laws and the sharing of current among resistors.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over the calculation of current through resistors R2, R3, and R4, noting a specific correct value for R1.
  • Multiple participants request a clearer image of the circuit diagram to assist in understanding the problem.
  • There is a challenge to the calculation of current, with participants pointing out discrepancies in the values presented.
  • A suggestion is made to find the voltage across the combined resistors to determine the current through each leg of the circuit.
  • One participant reflects on the grading implications of calculation errors, discussing the balance between conceptual understanding and final results in engineering education.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of correctly applying circuit laws but express differing views on the significance of calculation errors and their impact on grading. There is no consensus on how much credit should be given for the work presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the need for clearer visual aids and the potential for calculation errors to affect grading, indicating a reliance on both conceptual understanding and numerical accuracy in assessments.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying circuit analysis, educators involved in grading engineering assignments, and individuals interested in the practical applications of electrical circuit theory.

mirroredeyes
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I got my test back and was reviewing my question, to find out that I didn't even solve for R2,R3,R4 Current, correctly.

I only got 2.613A correct which was R1, could anyone possibly help me out. I know for parallel circuits voltage drop is equal across circuit but my R1 was in series with the combined resistors, meaning there was a voltage drop.
 

Attachments

  • FRuq6yuh.jpg
    FRuq6yuh.jpg
    43.1 KB · Views: 565
  • 20190417_17215101.jpg
    20190417_17215101.jpg
    41.4 KB · Views: 543
Engineering news on Phys.org
That image is too dim for me to see. Can you post a better one? Use brighter lighting to make the photo.
 
anorlunda said:
That image is too dim for me to see. Can you post a better one? Use brighter lighting to make the photo.
 

Attachments

  • 20190417_17215101.jpg
    20190417_17215101.jpg
    41.4 KB · Views: 473
100/38 ≠ 2.613
Otherwise it looks ok to me.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: mirroredeyes
DaveE said:
100/38 ≠ 2.613
Otherwise it looks ok to me.

Thank you Dave! wow... how did I mess that one up badly. Would you say I should lose 3 marks though? I did properly apply the laws and solve but just made a calculation error.
 
OK so far but they also want to know how the 2.613A is shared between the other resistors. One way to find the remaining current: you can easily find the volts across the triangle of resistors and then the current through each leg.
 
mirroredeyes said:
Thank you Dave! wow... how did I mess that one up badly. Would you say I should lose 3 marks though? I did properly apply the laws and solve but just made a calculation error.
It's not really for me to say, ask your instructor.
If I was focused on teaching concepts, I wouldn't mark off that much. However, I would also want answer in more general terms like I1 = V/(R1+R2||(R3+R4)). Then the numbers would be found last, after the equations.
But, there is a school of thought in engineering classes that the final results matter. If your bridge collapses or your circuit electrocutes someone, no one cares why or how you were wrong. This is more like the real world, where you need to check your results for errors (there will be errors, we all do that). Sometimes instructors want to make that clear with harsh penalties.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
93
Views
9K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K