Help using superposition to solve (simple?) circuit

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on applying the superposition theorem to analyze a circuit with two voltage sources (7V and 28V) and three resistors. The correct approach involves replacing each voltage source with a short circuit and calculating the voltages and currents using the voltage divider rule and Kirchhoff's laws. The voltage divider rule is recommended for calculating voltages across resistors in series and parallel configurations, ensuring accurate results when combining the effects of both voltage sources.

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  • Understanding of the superposition theorem in circuit analysis
  • Familiarity with voltage divider rule for series circuits
  • Knowledge of Kirchhoff's laws for circuit analysis
  • Basic concepts of series and parallel resistor combinations
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  • Practice solving circuits using the superposition theorem with multiple voltage sources
  • Learn advanced applications of Kirchhoff's laws in complex circuits
  • Explore the implications of resistor combinations in series and parallel
  • Investigate the effects of varying resistor values on circuit behavior
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Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone learning about circuit analysis techniques, particularly those focusing on superposition and voltage calculations.

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Homework Statement


We're learning about superposition in class right now and I'm having some trouble visualizing how to make simplifications using series/parallel connections. I attached the picture of the circuit and we're being asked to solve for the voltages and currents through the resistors.


Homework Equations


I understand the superposition idea, we have to replace each voltage source with a short and each current source with a open circuit. So for this particular example, I would first replace the 7V source with a short, then solve for all voltages/currents, then set the 28V source to a short then do the same, then algebraically add the results for the final answer. I'm having trouble doing this though.

For example, I first replace the 7V source with a short. I then have the 28V source, then the 3 resistors, would I be able to use the voltage divider rule to get the voltages through the 3 resistors, or should I use Kirchoff's laws? Please help and thanks in advance.
 

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bjersey said:

Homework Statement


We're learning about superposition in class right now and I'm having some trouble visualizing how to make simplifications using series/parallel connections. I attached the picture of the circuit and we're being asked to solve for the voltages and currents through the resistors.


Homework Equations


I understand the superposition idea, we have to replace each voltage source with a short and each current source with a open circuit. So for this particular example, I would first replace the 7V source with a short, then solve for all voltages/currents, then set the 28V source to a short then do the same, then algebraically add the results for the final answer. I'm having trouble doing this though.

For example, I first replace the 7V source with a short. I then have the 28V source, then the 3 resistors, would I be able to use the voltage divider rule to get the voltages through the 3 resistors, or should I use Kirchoff's laws? Please help and thanks in advance.

The simplest way to solve it is using the voltage divider rule, remembering of course that R2 and R3 are in parallel.
But if you use Kirchoff's laws you will arrive to same result.
 
Yeah, use the voltage divider rule...

You'd get VR1 = [28v (4)] / [4 + (R2//R3)]

then I through R1 = VR1/R1...

and

VR2 = 28v - VR1


then VR2 = VR3 since they are in parallel...

and I of R2 is simply VR2/R2

and I of R3 is VR3/R3...

same goes when you use the 7v...

then add I of R1 when you used 28v an I of R1 when you used the 7v...
then you'd get the I through R1 when both of batteries are working...


then do the same for others.
 

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