How do I do this with KCL and KVL

  • Thread starter Thread starter strk
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Kcl Kvl
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on applying Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) to solve a circuit analysis problem. Participants emphasize the importance of performing mesh and node analysis step-by-step to derive equations for unknown currents and voltages. They share specific calculations for currents Ix4 and Ix5, and voltages Vx2, Vx3, and Vx1, highlighting the need to carefully track signs during calculations. The conversation underscores the necessity of verifying results using KCL and Ohm's law. Overall, the thread provides guidance on systematically approaching circuit problems using fundamental electrical engineering principles.
strk
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q292/strkthug/KCL/kclandkvl.png



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I think since x2 is 2a and x3 is 3a then x5 should be 5a
and I have no idead where to go from there
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
First, do a mesh analysis. Then, do a node analysis. Just do it one step at a time and you'll get it.
 
staticd said:
First, do a mesh analysis. Then, do a node analysis. Just do it one step at a time and you'll get it.

what is mesh analysis and node analysis? how do I even start that out
 
I assume that you've been taught what KCL and KVL are.

Therefore, you know that in each of the three loops (or, meshes), the sum of the voltages (i * r) or x, in this case equals zero. That give you three equations. Start there and see what you get.

Watch the signs!
 
strk said:
what is mesh analysis and node analysis? how do I even start that out

Since the problem asks you to use KCL and KVL, we will assume that you know what they are. strk was just using alternate common names for them:

KCL = node (nodal) analysis

KVL = mesh analysis

Please show us your work, if you'd like us to check your answers.
 
i tried to solve it by KVL using signs of currents and got these:
Vx3=-1
Ix5=-5
Vx2=-4
Ix4=-3
but i don't know wether its right or not
 
I don't have time to check right now. However, you should be able to verify your answers using KCL and/or Ohm's law. That is the normal method to show yourself that the value you have found is correct...
 
Hosam_IT said:
i tried to solve it by KVL using signs of currents and got these:
Vx3=-1
Ix5=-5
Vx2=-4
Ix4=-3
but i don't know wether its right or not

Okay, my answers are a little different.

For all of the currents that you don't know, you can do KCL --

So, we need to find Ix4 and Ix5.

For, Ix4, let's look at the node where x4,2, and 1 meet.

There you have...

1A + 2A = Ix4 --> Ix4 = 3A

for, Ix5, let's look at the node where x2, 3, and 5 meet.

There you have...

3A + 2A + Ix5 = 0 --> Ix5 = -5A

Now, you have three more voltages to find; Vx2, 3, and 1.

For the loop with x4, 2, and 5, you have...

-1V - 3V + Vx2 = 0 --> Vx2 = 4V

For the loop with x5 and x3, you have...

-Vx3 + 1 = 0 --> Vx3 = 1V

For the loop with x2, 3, and 1, you have...

Vx1 + 1V - 4V = 0 --> Vx1 = 3V

I hope that helps... Watch your signs! Start with what you KNOW and take small steps to find the solution!
 
Last edited:
staticd said:
Okay, my answers are a little different.

For all of the currents that you don't know, you can do KCL --

So, we need to find Ix4 and Ix5.

For, Ix4, let's look at the node where x4,2, and 1 meet.

There you have...

1A + 2A = Ix4 --> Ix4 = 3A

for, Ix5, let's look at the node where x2, 3, and 5 meet.

There you have...

3A + 2A + Ix5 = 0 --> Ix5 = -5A

Now, you have three more voltages to find; Vx2, 3, and 1.

For the loop with x4, 2, and 5, you have...

-1V - 3V + Vx2 = 0 --> Vx2 = 4V

For the loop with x5 and x3, you have...

-Vx3 + 1 = 0 --> Vx3 = 1V

For the loop with x2, 3, and 1, you have...

Vx1 + 1V - 4V = 0 --> Vx1 = 3V

I hope that helps... Watch your signs! Start with what you KNOW and take small steps to find the solution!

that's right you got same answers by using its directions
 
  • #10
Right, Hosam. However, you have to know that 4V does not equal -4V! Very tricky. Very tricky, indeed.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
5K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
5K
Back
Top