Grounded circuit, 2 batteries and 2 resistors

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the potential at points a and b in a circuit with two batteries and two resistors. Using Kirchhoff's loop law, the current was determined to be 1A, leading to a potential of 9V at point a after passing through the 9V battery. The potential decreases to 7V after passing through the 2-ohm resistor and then to 1V at point b after passing through the 6V battery. Participants confirm the reasoning and calculations, noting that the potential can also be verified by an alternative path through the 1-ohm resistor. The overall analysis and conclusions about the circuit's potential are validated.
kamhogo
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Homework Statement


Picture a circuit grounded at the left lower corner. Then as you go up the left side of the circuit, you have a 9V battery. The top left corner is labeled a. Then on the top of the circuit, you have a 2 ohms resistor. Then on the right side of the circuit, you have a 6V battery. The right lower corner is labeled b. Then on the bottom side of the circuit you have a 1 ohm resistor.
What is the value of the potential at points a and b?

Homework Equations


Kirchhoff's loop law
I = Epsilon/R
Delta Vr = - I*R

The Attempt at a Solution



First Kirchhoff's loop law to find the current in the circuit. I assumed the clockwise current was the same in both resistors.

--> 9V - 2 I - 6V - 1 I = 0
3V = 3I --> I = 1A

I know the potential at point a is 9V. The potential at the lower left corner, where the circuit is grounded, is zero. As you go up the circuit, you have gained 9 V by "passing through" the 9V battery.

Then you pass through the top resistor.
The potential difference across that resistor is given by delta Vr = - I * R = -1A*2omhs =-2V. So by the time you reach the right top corner, you are at 9V-2V= 7V.

Then you pass through the 6V battery. You go from the positive terminal to the negative terminal, so you lose 6V. Hence, at point b you are 7V-6V= 1V.

Is my reasoning any good?
 
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kamhogo said:
Then as you go up the left side of the circuit, you have a 9V battery. The top left corner is labeled a. Then on the top of the circuit, you have a 2 ohms resistor. Then on the right side of the circuit, you have a 6V battery. The right lower corner is labeled b. Then on the bottom side of the circuit you have a 1 ohm resistor.
What is the value of the potential at points a and b?
What about polaritiy of the batteries? A diagram would be helpful.
 
tmp_5375-20160331_170516-639066610.jpg
 
kamhogo said:
Is my reasoning any good?
Yes, that all works.
 
haruspex said:
Yes, that all works.

Muchas gracias! !
 
You can also get to b by going "up" through the 1 Ohm...

0 + (1*1) = 1V
 
CWatters said:
You can also get to b by going "up" through the 1 Ohm...

0 + (1*1) = 1V

True that.
 
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