How can Kirchoff's rules be used to determine current values in a circuit?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Azndude51
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Circuits Rules
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Kirchoff's rules to determine the current values (I1, I2, I3) in a given electrical circuit. The circuit includes various resistances and an emf source, prompting participants to explore the relationships between the currents and resistances.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Kirchoff's junction rule and Ohm's law to find current values. There are attempts to calculate total resistance and current using different combinations of equations. Questions arise regarding the correctness of calculated values and the relationships between the currents.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed calculations for I1 and are exploring the relationships between I1, I2, and I3. There is acknowledgment of potential errors in submitted answers, and participants are collaboratively checking their reasoning and calculations without reaching a final consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention discrepancies in submitted answers for I2 and I3, suggesting possible confusion in the values or calculations. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their approach, indicating a need for further clarification.

Azndude51
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Use Kirchoff's rules to determine I1, I2 and I3 for the following circuit: https://chip.physics.purdue.edu/protected/Prelab221img/e4pp2.jpg

E1 = emf = 9 V
r = internal resistance = 1.5 ohms
R1 = 5 ohms
R2 = 15 ohms
R3 = 22.75 ohms

Find I1, I2, I3


Homework Equations



V=IR
I(R1+R2) = V and Req = R1 + R2+ ... for resistors in series
I = emf/R1 + emf/R2 + ... and 1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... for resistors in parallel
Krichoff's junction rule Iin-Iout = 0


The Attempt at a Solution


I found I1 to be .741 A by using I=V/R with R being the calculated total resistance: (1.5 + 1/(1/22.75+ 1/20) = 12.14

Now I've been using various combinations of the equations above to get the other two I's but I can't seem to get a correct answer, can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I found I1 to be .741 A by using I=V/R with R being the calculated total resistance: (1.5 + 1/(1/22.75+ 1/20) = 12.14
Correct

Now I've been using various combinations of the equations above to get the other two I's but I can't seem to get a correct answer, can someone point me in the right direction?
What exactly were you doing?
Note that I1 = I2 + I3
 
So if I1 = I2 + I3, shouldn't I2 = I1 - I3 = .741 - 9/22.75 = .345?
 
Yup, that's correct.
 
Last edited:
DARN IT, I got .345 for I2 when I first tried the problem, but when I submitted it (online) it was wrong, so I posted here. But when I submit it for I3, it is correct (and .396 is correct when I submit that for I2). I think they must've gotten switched. Thanks for the help though, ranger.
 
:smile: I see what you mean. When I double checked them with the current divider rule, I noticed the same thing. Its just a small mix up, that's all.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K