How can I solve a Thevenin problem involving two batteries?

[vbs]

Homework Statement

Hi there, I got this question from an old test. I would say I have limited knowledge of electronics and would ask for guidance into what approach to take with this question.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

No attempt yet. I thought of breaking it up, in 2, obviously, and then getting the series resistance total, but what then? then I am back at square 1, with a "broken" circuit. What small detail am I missing?

 

[darkdream]

1) Change the voltage source into a current source using source conversion.
i.e current source with current = 12V / 4ohm= 3 A. - lookin at the left voltage source.
you will get 3A current source with a resistor of 4 ohm connecting parallel to it.

do for the other side(right) too. 8/3=2.67A

2) Since you then have resistors in parallel.
the effective resistance on the left will then be (4*7)/ (4+7)= 2.545 ohm
right will be 2.25 ohm.

3) Convert them back to voltage source.
LEft: 2.545 *3 = 7.635 V
Right : 2.25 * 2.67= 6V

The resultant voltage will be 7.635 - 6 = 1.635 V.
Sum of all the resistance = 10 + 2.545 + 2=14.545 ohm
Hence without using thevenin,
I = 1.635 / 14.545 = 0.1124A

Using thevenin,

After using source conversion,
Golden rule: Make current source disappear; make voltage source a short circuit, meaning: treat it just as a piece of connecting wire.

thevenin voltage = thevenin resistance * short circuit current.
then calculate the current you wanted by current divider rule.

hope this helps

 

[darkdream]

1) Change the voltage source into a current source using source conversion.
i.e current source with current = 12V / 4ohm= 3 A. - lookin at the left voltage source.
you will get 3A current source with a resistor of 4 ohm connecting parallel to it.

do for the other side(right) too. 8/3=2.67A

2) Since you then have resistors in parallel.
the effective resistance on the left will then be (4*7)/ (4+7)= 2.545 ohm
right will be 2.25 ohm.

3) Convert them back to voltage source.
LEft: 2.545 *3 = 7.635 V
Right : 2.25 * 2.67= 6V

The resultant voltage will be 7.635 - 6 = 1.635 V.
Sum of all the resistance = 10 + 2.545 + 2=14.545 ohm
Hence without using thevenin,
I = 1.635 / 14.545 = 0.1124A

Using thevenin,

After using source conversion,
Golden rule: Make current source disappear; make voltage source a short circuit, meaning: treat it just as a piece of connecting wire.

thevenin voltage = thevenin resistance * short circuit current.
then calculate the current you wanted by current divider rule.

hope this helps