How Did They Calculate Vo in the Circled Step?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding a specific calculation step in a circuit analysis problem related to current and voltage in a resistor-inductor circuit. Participants seek clarification on how a particular voltage (Vo) was derived and the relationships between various components in the circuit, including the use of current dividers and Ohm's law.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how Vo was calculated in a specific step, suggesting a possible multiplication of currents.
  • Another participant proposes a method using a current divider to find the current (io) and subsequently calculates the voltage (Vo) across a resistor.
  • There is a discussion about the voltage across a 10Ω resistor and a 40Ω resistor, with some participants asserting they should have the same voltage due to their configuration.
  • A participant clarifies that the inductor will have a potential difference across it, which must be considered in the voltage calculations.
  • Some participants agree that the two resistors in question share the same potential difference, supporting the calculations made using the current divider method.
  • There is mention of simplifying the circuit for clarity, particularly when the switch changes position, affecting the configuration of resistors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the two resistors in question share the same voltage due to their parallel arrangement. However, there is some contention regarding the interpretation of the circuit and the calculations leading to Vo, indicating that multiple views and methods are being discussed without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express limitations in their ability to share images, which may affect the clarity of the discussion. There is also an emphasis on the need to simplify the circuit for better understanding, but the exact implications of this simplification remain unresolved.

sammyqw
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Homework Statement


http://imgur.com/ZKiCbbA http://imgur.com/a/ccGTV
ZKiCbbA.png

Could someone explain me what happened in the step that is circled in red please? I would appreciate it.
did they multiply i0x(iL)?

Homework Equations


they got iL by using iL=iL(initial)*e^-t/Tau . How did they get Vo? what formula did they use?

The Attempt at a Solution


http://imgur.com/a/wr1mQ[/B]
q4y6NXZ.png

http://imgur.com/q4y6NXZ
http://imgur.com/a/wr1mQ
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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I think I got it. I did Current divider io= 40/40+10 (8e^-250t) . I got 6.4e^-250t Amps then using Ohms law with the 10ohm resistor I got 64e^-250t V can someone confirm it please?
 
and that 10ohm resistor in the far left should have the same voltage as the 40ohm resistor correct?
 
Your images are not visible. This will limit the responses from helpers who are browsing questions and can't be bothered to follow off-site links. It's a better practice to UPLOAD images so helpers don't have to follow links to see them.

I'll see if I can place copies of your images into your posts...

edit: ...done.
 
image.png
for some reason it wouldn't let me upload pictures from imgur. it works with postimg though :D I will use that method from now on.
 
sammyqw said:
and that 10ohm resistor in the far left should have the same voltage as the 40ohm resistor correct?
No, the inductor will have some potential difference across it as it attempts to drive current trough the circuit. So that PD plus the PD across the 10 Ω resistor will be the same as that across the 40 Ω resistor.

You'd be better off simplifying the circuit a bit before proceeding. When the switch commutates to position 2 it places the 4 Ω + 6 Ω series resistors in parallel with the 40 Ω resistor. So you're left with:
upload_2016-10-9_18-44-58.png


So, do with that what you will! :smile:
 
gneill said:
No, the inductor will have some potential difference across it as it attempts to drive current trough the circuit. So that PD plus the PD across the 10 Ω resistor will be the same as that across the 40 Ω resistor.

You'd be better off simplifying the circuit a bit before proceeding. When the switch commutates to position 2 it places the 4 Ω + 6 Ω series resistors in parallel with the 40 Ω resistor. So you're left with:
View attachment 107206

So, do with that what you will! :smile:
image.png
I was referring to these two circled resistors, don't they have the same voltage because they are in parallel? I found the io using current divider io=(40/50)(8e^-250t), then use that io to find vo with ohms law.
 
Yes they share the same potential difference. So your expression for the current through the 10 Ω resistance looks good.
 
sammyqw said:
image.png
I was referring to these two circled resistors, don't they have the same voltage because they are in parallel? I found the io using current divider io=(40/50)(8e^-250t), then use that io to find vo with ohms law.
You can do the current divider, then use one resistor and its current,
OR
you can use their total current and their combined resistance. Either way should give the same result.
 

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