How Do You Simplify a Circuit Using Thevenin's Theorem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a circuit using Thevenin's Theorem, specifically focusing on how to convert a given circuit into its equivalent Thevenin circuit. The context includes homework-related inquiries and technical explanations regarding the process of finding Thevenin equivalents.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their attempt to simplify a circuit with a 1/5Ω load resistor using a simulation tool, presenting a specific configuration of voltage and current sources.
  • Another participant clarifies that a Thevenin equivalent consists of a single voltage source and a series resistance for DC circuits, prompting a question about the analytical approach to find this equivalent.
  • A participant suggests that the first step in finding the Thevenin equivalent might involve setting current sources to zero, leaving only the voltage source and resistors.
  • Another participant corrects this by stating that all sources must be suppressed to find the Thevenin resistance, emphasizing the need to remove current sources and short voltage sources, and explains how to find the Thevenin voltage by determining the open-circuit potential across the load.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the initial steps to take when applying Thevenin's Theorem, indicating that there is no consensus on the correct approach at this stage of the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific steps and methods for finding Thevenin equivalents, but there are unresolved assumptions regarding the circuit configuration and the application of Thevenin's Theorem.

nobodyuknow
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Homework Statement


3VGbyPa.png


Above given is the circuit I am supposed to simplify where the 1/5Ω resistor is the load. I'm unsure how to convert this circuit into an equivalent Thevenin Circuit.

Homework Equations



V = I*R (Ohm's Law)

The Attempt at a Solution



Using Microcap and it's Dynamic DC Analysis Tool, I measured the current flow at the load. I managed to break it down to this:

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/282/5x8t.png

Where V5 was a 2/3V voltage source. (2A current source in series with the 1/3Ω resistor).

If this is correct, I would then say that the 2/3V voltage source and the 4A current source were in series and that the V4 voltage source and the 1/6Ω resistor were in series. Is this the correct approach?
 
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Remember that a Thevenin equivalent is a single voltage source with a single series resistance (for DC circuits).

What's the usual algorithm for finding the Thevenin equivalent analytically?
 
Would the first step be setting all those current sources to 0? Thus left with the remaining voltage source and the two resistors?

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/2318/q2z4.png
 
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No. You must suppress ALL sources to find the Thevenin resistance: Remove all current sources and short all voltage sources.

To find the Thevenin voltage you must find the open-circuit potential across the load (remove the load and find the potential across the open terminals).

Your course notes or text should cover this!
 

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