Find (practical) current source constants, I and R

AI Thread Summary
A practical current source with a current of 22 A produces a terminal voltage of 390.3 V when loaded with 50 Ω. The load current is calculated as I_load = V/R_load, resulting in 7.806 A. The source resistance R is determined using R = V/(I - I_load), yielding approximately 27.5 Ω. There is a discussion regarding whether I_load should be represented as the current of the practical current source, emphasizing the black box nature of the source. The calculations and reasoning presented appear to be correct, affirming the understanding of the current source's behavior.
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Homework Statement


A practical current source has a current of 22 A. Loading the source with 50 \Omega results in terminal voltage of 390.3 V. Obtain the source constants, I and R.

Homework Equations


V=I\times R

The Attempt at a Solution



In my clumsy picture below, shouldn't I_{load} be replaced by the I of the "practical current source"? That is, isn't a "practical current source" as a black box, and we can only "see" the outside current?
[PLAIN]http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/1466/dsc01001ni.jpg

Only if I take the current outside as I_{load} (and not as the I itself) do I get the correct solution:
I_{load}=\frac{V}{R_{load}}=\frac{390.3V}{50 \Omega}=7.806 A

R=\frac{V}{I_R}=\frac{V}{I-I_{load}}=\frac{390.3 V}{22A - 7.806 A}\dot{=}27.5 \Omega
 
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Everything looks good to me.
 
Except this:
courteous said:
In my clumsy picture above, shouldn't I_{load} be replaced by the I of the "practical current source"? That is, isn't a "practical current source" as a black box, and we can only "see" the outside current?
 

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