Having trouble with some review circuits using nodal analysis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a circuit analysis problem using nodal analysis, specifically focusing on finding the node voltages v1, v2, and v3 given a current source of 3.1A. Participants share their approaches, calculations, and results while seeking reassurance and verification of their solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their nodal analysis equations based on Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) and expresses uncertainty about their results.
  • Another participant suggests verifying the calculated voltages by substituting them back into the original equations.
  • A participant introduces the superposition theorem as a potential method for solving the problem by addressing one current source at a time.
  • Multiple participants provide their calculated values for v1, v2, and v3, with slight variations in results, indicating different approaches or interpretations of the problem.
  • One participant claims to have found the exact solution in fractional form, along with its floating-point approximation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct values for the node voltages, as there are multiple competing results presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the accuracy of the various solutions offered.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' results differ significantly, suggesting potential issues with assumptions or methods used in the analysis. The discussion does not clarify which approach or solution is definitively correct.

mitchapalooza
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Having trouble with some review circuits using nodal analysis :(

Homework Statement


I'm trying to find node voltages for v1, v2, and v3.
I = 3.1A

Homework Equations


V=IR


The Attempt at a Solution


My method of going about and solving this was fairly straight forward I thought. The way the question is set up, I believe nodal analysis is already ready to go. So I started with
KCL(v1): 2 + 3.1 + (v1-v2)/3Ω = 0
KCL(v2): (v2-v1)/3 + v2/2 + (v2-v3)/4 = 0
KCL(v3): (v3-v2)/4 + v3/3 - 3.1 = 0

Now it's been a while since I've done this (nodal analysis), but I now have 3 eqns and 3 unknown variables. The answer I have is -21.2V -5.87V and 2.8V respectively.

It's one of those, "I've tried all my guesses, need some reassurance before I commit to my last chance" scenarios.

Any helpful on this would be great! Thanks :D

Note that I haven't tried the brute force method of just solving for everything, or the mesh current method.
 

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Hi mitchapalooza, http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

mitchapalooza said:
The answer I have is -21.2V -5.87V and 2.8V respectively.
Have you substituted those back into the equations to verify they are the solution? The equations look right.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


Have they taught you the superposition theorem? That way you could handle the problem one current source at a time ...
 


I solved the system and found v1 = -20.78V, v2 = -5.78V and v3 = 2.67V
 


I got
V1 = - 21.17
V2 = -5.87
V3= +2.80
so we're close.
 


Well, I got:
V1 = -127/6
V2 = -88/15
V3 = 14/5

which is the exact solution. :cool:

The 12 digit floating point approximation would be:

V1 = -21.1666666667
V2 = -5.86666666667
V3 = 2.80000000000
 

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