Finding Vo Using Node Voltage Method: A Calculator Puzzle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the voltage Vo using the node voltage method in a circuit analysis context. Participants are attempting to resolve discrepancies in their calculations and clarify the relationships between voltages V1 and Vo.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their approach to finding V1 and Vo, noting that their calculations yield a different result when using the node voltage method compared to other methods.
  • Another participant points out that V1 is not the same as Vo and questions the validity of the node equation presented.
  • There is a suggestion to introduce a second node to facilitate finding Vo directly through nodal analysis.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of obtaining a correct V1 value to subsequently find Vo, while another suggests that it is not strictly necessary if the non-essential node is introduced.
  • Participants discuss the need to carefully check the terms and signs in their node equations to identify potential errors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of finding V1 to determine Vo, with some suggesting alternative methods to find Vo directly. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correctness of the node equations and the relationship between V1 and Vo.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached consensus on the accuracy of their calculations or the best approach to solve for Vo, highlighting potential uncertainties in their node voltage equations.

serp777
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Homework Statement


Find the voltage Vo using node voltage method specifically.

Homework Equations


phasor.jpg


The Attempt at a Solution



I am able to get the correct answer when finding the equivalent impedance, then determining the current, and then finding the voltage at the first node V1 by subtrating the source from the voltage drop across the inductor. Then I simply use voltage divider to find Vo.

However, using node voltage at location V1 gets me a completely different answer which means I am doing something wrong in my node voltage calculations, but i cannot identify what it is. I am using the TI-84 caclulator to do these calculations.

Rearranging the eqn to solve for V1 using nodal analysis, V1(1/10j + 1/50 + 1/(30+10j)) = 240/10j= 24j

V1 = 24j/(1/10j + 1/50 + 1/(30 + 10j))
So V1 = 203.7735+113.207j which is the answer provided by the calculator.
Converting to polar I get 233.108*e^(0.507j) where 0.507 = 0.507*180/pi = 29.04 degrees, which is very differnent according the solution i posted. So where am I going wrong with this calculation? I've tried it three times.
 
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First, V1 is not the same as Vo. Solving for V1 is not solving for Vo.

Second, your node equation looks suspicious. Can you elaborate how you arrived at it?

If you want to solve for Vo using just nodal analysis, introduce a second node at the top of the 30 ohm resistor (yes, it's in the middle of a branch and is not an essential node, but it gives you direct access to Vo via node equation). Solve the pair of node equations for Vo.
 
Yes I know, but I cannot possibly get a correct Vo value without a correct V1 value in node voltage.

So since V1 is incorrect according to the solution i posted, it is the most logical place to look for errors.

Once a correct V1 is found, then I can find Vo

And the node voltage for V1 is (V1 - 240)/10j + V1/50 + V1/(30+ 10j) = 0

And for Vo the node voltage is:
(Vo - V1)/10j + Vo/30 = 0

The node voltage uses a KCL (V/Z = I), so my logic for the node voltage is that the voltage across (V1-240) the inductor impedane plus the voltage across the 50 ohm resistor, plus the voltage across the combination of impedanes from the resistor and the second inductor is equivalent to zero by
 
Last edited:
serp777 said:
Yes I know, but I cannot possibly get a correct Vo value without a correct V1 value in node voltage.
That's not strictly true if you introduce the non-essential node as I suggested. You only need solve the pair of node equations for that node's potential.

So since V1 is incorrect according to the solution i posted, it is the most logical place to look for errors.

Once a correct V1 is found, then I can find Vo

So, check carefully each term of your node equation. Pay attention to signs when terms are moved or reduced by complex operations.
 
serp777 said:
And the node voltage for V1 is (V1 - 240)/10j + V1/50 + V1/(30+ 10j) = 0

And for Vo the node voltage is:
(Vo - V1)/10j + Vo/30 = 0

Okay, those two equations look fine. Use the second one to replace V1 in the first equation and solve for Vo.
 
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