Grounded circuit, 2 batteries and 2 resistors

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a grounded circuit that includes two batteries (9V and 6V) and two resistors (2 ohms and 1 ohm). Participants are exploring the potential values at specific points in the circuit, labeled as points a and b.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss applying Kirchhoff's loop law to determine current and potential differences in the circuit. There are questions regarding the polarity of the batteries and the need for a diagram to clarify the setup.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the reasoning presented in the initial post, while others suggest alternative paths to reach point b, indicating a productive exploration of the problem. However, there is no explicit consensus on the overall interpretation of the circuit.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of battery polarity and the potential need for a diagram to aid understanding. The grounding of the circuit is also a key aspect under discussion.

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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