Finding the currents in this system

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The discussion focuses on finding the currents through resistors R1, R2, and R3 in a circuit with given voltages and resistances. The user initially struggles to derive a third equation necessary for solving the circuit due to the presence of voltage source ε1. Participants suggest applying Kirchhoff's laws to analyze the circuit, emphasizing the independence of loops. The conversation also touches on calculating voltage differences between specific points in the circuit, with clarification that Kirchhoff's laws can be applied to individual loops without needing to consider all components simultaneously. Ultimately, the importance of correctly applying Kirchhoff's rules is highlighted for solving the circuit effectively.
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given the following:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_H4Iz7SmBrbk/Sg04JIIg9vI/AAAAAAAAA-o/xDycbG90Gmc/s720/C.jpg

and given that

ε1=3V
ε2=2V
R1=1Ω
R2=2Ω
R3=3Ω

i am asked to find the current flowing throiught R1,R2, R3

what i did was

I3=I2+I1
I1R1-I2R21

but i am short of one equation to solve this, what i would like to do is somehow find R12, as an the sum of R1 and R2, but my problem is that i have ε1 between them and i have no idea how to tackle this,

had ε1 noot been there i would have said R12=(1/R1+1/R2)-1 and then i could make a third equation using this.

how can i solve this?
 
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Dell said:
I3=I2+I1
I1R1-I2R21

but i am short of one equation to solve this, what i would like to do is somehow find R12, as an the sum of R1 and R2, but my problem is that i have ε1 between them and i have no idea how to tackle this,

Hi Dell! :smile:

Stop trying to simplify it … it's simple enough already! :rolleyes:

There are three loops, of which two are independent …

you've already applied Kirchhoff to the R1R2-loop, so now just apply it to the R2R3-loop. :wink:
 
thanks,.. for the second part of the question they ask what the difference in voltage is from pioint A which lies between R3 and ε2, and point B which is between R1 and ε1,

can i use kirchhoff here too, and igonre the part with R2 and R3, so I1R1=ε1-v
v=ε1-I1R1=2.8

?
 
Dell said:
thanks,.. for the second part of the question they ask what the difference in voltage is from pioint A which lies between R3 and ε2, and point B which is between R1 and ε1,

can i use kirchhoff here too, and igonre the part with R2 and R3, so I1R1=ε1-v
v=ε1-I1R1=2.8

?

sorry, I don't understand that :confused: … and what happened to E2?

You need the potential difference across E2 and across R1 (or across E1 and across R3):smile:
 
sorry meant to be v=ε2-I1R1=2-0.2=1.8,

but is it okay to just ignore the whole part that includes R2 and I2??
 
Dell said:
sorry meant to be v=ε2-I1R1=2-0.2=1.8,

but is it okay to just ignore the whole part that includes R2 and I2??

Yup … Kirchhoff applies to only one loop at a time! :smile:
 
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