Electric Circuit Analysis: Calculating power absorbed/supplied by each element

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of power absorbed or supplied by elements in an electric circuit, specifically focusing on the use of dependent current sources and the interpretation of current values in circuit analysis. Participants are examining a textbook example and a related practice problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the reason for the negative current value in the textbook example and the source of the 5A current value.
  • Another participant explains that the dependent current source is supplying power and that current flows from positive to negative, emphasizing the importance of the current entering the branch for power calculations.
  • There is a discussion about the current values for different branches, with one participant asserting that the current through p2 is 5A and through p3 is 6A.
  • Some participants reference external sources, such as Wikipedia, to clarify the nature of dependent sources and their variable current values.
  • A participant expresses realization about the definition of current in the context of the circuit diagram, indicating a misunderstanding of the variable representation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the current values for p2 and p3, and there is some confusion regarding the interpretation of the current variable I in the context of the circuit. Multiple competing views remain regarding the correct application of the dependent current source and its implications for power calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including the lack of access to the referenced textbook material and potential misunderstandings about the definitions and roles of current in the circuit. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the circuit diagram.

tahayassen
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Once again, my textbook seems to do a poor job of explaining another concept just like I commented earlier here. Anyways, here is the relevant part of the textbook: http://www.mediafire.com/view/?cw5t2wr9vqqprnv

To calculate p4 in example 1.7, voltage of 8V is multiplied by a current of -0.2I. Firstly, why is the current negative? Secondly, why do they substitute a value of 5A for I. Where did they get this value?

I tried to do practice problem 1.7, but I don't seem to get the right answer for p3 when I use a voltage of 3V and a current of 0.6(3)A.
 
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Because the dependent current source is supplying the power. So current flows from its positive to its negative. But when you calculate power of a branch you take the current value (which is to be multiplied) same as what will be entering the branch from positive.

They defined the dependent power that way. What ever will be the I (which is going through p1 brance) will be multiplied by 0.2 and that will be the current coming out of dependent source.
 
Kholdstare said:
Because the dependent current source is supplying the power. So current flows from its positive to its negative. But when you calculate power of a branch you take the current value (which is to be multiplied) same as what will be entering the branch from positive.

They defined the dependent power that way. What ever will be the I (which is going through p1 brance) will be multiplied by 0.2 and that will be the current coming out of dependent source.

Where did they get 5 from?
 
Well it says on your diagram I = 5 amps.

Incidentally, I cannot acces your link on my ofice computer, so others may well have the same problem.

It is better to post the doc or image here at PF, and also to properly reference the book as others may have it.

You will also likely receive more attention that way.
 
Studiot said:
Well it says on your diagram I = 5 amps.

Incidentally, I cannot acces your link on my ofice computer, so others may well have the same problem.

It is better to post the doc or image here at PF, and also to properly reference the book as others may have it.

You will also likely receive more attention that way.

I don't have time to do that at the moment as I'm heading to school right now, but isn't it 5 amps for only p2? For p3, it's 6 amps.
 
tahayassen said:
Where did they get 5 from?

Read "en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_source" .

The value of the second current source is not constant, but changes when the current through p2 branch changes (and the proportionality constant is 5).

tahayassen said:
I don't have time to do that at the moment as I'm heading to school right now, but isn't it 5 amps for only p2? For p3, it's 6 amps.

The I indicated in the figure defines the current through p2, not p3. Whatever is the value of current through p3 it will not necessarily be same as p2.
 
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Kholdstare said:
Read "en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_source" .

The value of the second current source is not constant, but changes when the current through p2 branch changes (and the proportionality constant is 5).
The I indicated in the figure defines the current through p2, not p3. Whatever is the value of current through p3 it will not necessarily be same as p2.

Ohh! I get it now! I feel so stupid. For some reason, I thought of I as the current flowing through p4 instead of thinking of I as a variable such as X that is clearly defined as 5A in the top left of the diagram. I'm so stupid. :blushing:
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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