Find Current Through 40 Ohms Resistor Using Thevenin

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the current through a 40-ohm resistor using Thevenin's theorem. The user has determined the Thevenin equivalent resistance (Zth) to be 10 ohms but is struggling to find the Thevenin voltage (Vth). Contributors emphasize the importance of showing attempted solutions for effective guidance and suggest using nodal analysis or mesh analysis to simplify the problem-solving process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Thevenin's theorem
  • Nodal analysis
  • Mesh analysis
  • Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate Thevenin voltage (Vth) in circuits
  • Practice nodal analysis with multiple equations
  • Explore mesh analysis techniques for circuit simplification
  • Review Kirchhoff's Voltage Law applications in circuit analysis
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Thevenin's theorem and circuit analysis techniques.

Special One
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Homework Statement
current
Relevant Equations
ohm law
Find the current through the 40ohms resistor using the Thevenin?
I have calculated the Zth = 10 ohms. And I couldn't find the Vth.

Screenshot 2020-10-17 at 19.05.40.png
 
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So what have you tried?
 
gneill said:
So what have you tried?
Nodal method
 
Special One said:
Nodal method
Okay, possibly not the simplest way forward but let's see your attempt. Where did you get hung up?
 
gneill said:
Okay, possibly not the simplest way forward but let's see your attempt. Where did you get hung up?
I would prefer not to share it here because the correct answer doesn't match with my solution. Let's say you solving the problem, Can you tell what you're going to do to solve for Vth?
 
Special One said:
I would prefer not to share it here because the correct answer doesn't match with my solution. Let's say you solving the problem, Can you tell what you're going to do to solve for Vth?
Sorry, that's not the way it works here at PF. You need to show your own efforts before we can offer guidance, which includes pointing out missteps in your attempt. No one here will do your homework for you.

If you show your attempted solution then we can spot where it might have gone wrong.
 
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So @Special One if you take the Thevenin Equivalent as across the 40Ω resistor, you would remove that from the circuit, then figure the voltage between those 2 nodes. That is the Thevenin Voltage. Once you have that, then you draw a short circuit between the nodes, and calculate the current through that short.

To find the Thevenin equivalent resistance, just divide: (Thevenin Voltage) ÷ (short circuit current).

As others have said, the way PhysicsForums works, you put what you have attempted, and the other contributors will look and point out where you may have mistakes. That way, you can learn from your mistakes.

https://practicalee.com/thevenin-equivalent/#:~:text=Steps to Find the Thevenin and Norton Equivalent,and series reduction combinations. ... More items...
 
Special One said:
What next? How can I find Vth?
Above you mentioned attempting nodal analysis. You could show us that attempt, or consider another approach. Here's a thought that might get you thinking along other lines:

Looking at the circuit with the load removed you can pick out three essential nodes. That implies three equations in three unknowns for a nodal analysis approach. However, with the load resistor removed there are only two loops, so you're down to two equations and two unknows.

But it gets better! For a mesh analysis one of the loops has its mesh current fixed by the 10 A current source, so that loop is already solved and you're down to a single equation with one unknown. Find that current then do a little "KVL walk" between the output leads and you're done.
 
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