How to Calculate Current from a Circuit Using Voltage Division Law?

  • Thread starter Thread starter -EquinoX-
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Circuit Current
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating current in a circuit using the voltage division law and Kirchhoff's laws. Participants are analyzing a circuit diagram that involves resistances and voltage sources.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • One participant attempts to apply the voltage division law to find voltages at specific resistors, while others introduce Kirchhoff's laws to set up equations for current in different loops of the circuit. There are questions regarding the direction of current and the correctness of the equations being formulated.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different methods to approach the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of Kirchhoff's laws, and there is an ongoing examination of the relationships between the currents in the circuit.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with a specific circuit diagram, which is referenced but not visible in the discussion. There is an emphasis on ensuring the correct direction of current and the proper application of circuit laws.

-EquinoX-
Messages
561
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/2416/64523221.jpg

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



My approach at this problem is using the voltage division law:

I first need to find the voltage at the 12 ohm, this can be done by the following using voltage division law.

Vb = (0.04 * 13)/ 41
Va = (0.04 * 28)/ 41

then we subtract the two, is this true?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Let i branch out. i1 flows in upper loop and i2 flows in the lover loop.
Apply Kirchhoff law.
For upper loop
-12i -17i1 = 0...(1)
For lower loop
-12i - 24 i2 = 0...(2)
Similarly write down the equation for the left side loop which contains the voltage source and solve the equations to find i.
 
is the left side equal to:

40mV - 28i = 0
 
-EquinoX- said:
is the left side equal to:

40mV - 28i = 0
No. i1 and i2 are in the opposite direction.
So it should be
40 mV = 16*i1 - 12*i2
 

Similar threads

Ohm's Law - Finding Source Voltage
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Understanding the Current Division Rule: A Circuit Diagram Guide
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Calculation of current in driven series RLC circuit
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Understanding example in Wikipedia entry for open circuit voltage
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Finding the values of voltage and current in this circuit
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Finding potential at a point in capacitor
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Finding the Current in a circuit
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Finding magnetic field using Ampere's Circuital Law
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
How to find a current is this specific circuit
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
How to use Kirchhoff's voltage law on this circuit?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K