Kirchhoff's Laws and Simultaneous Equations: Solving a Confusing Circuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a circuit problem using Kirchhoff's laws, specifically focusing on finding the branch currents i1, i2, and i3 in a circuit that participants describe as confusing. The scope includes homework-related queries, circuit analysis, and the application of simultaneous equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in applying Kirchhoff's laws to find the currents in the circuit and mentions needing three loops for the analysis.
  • Another participant points out that the currents shown are branch currents rather than loop currents and suggests redrawing the circuit as a Wheatstone bridge for clarity.
  • A participant recalls using the Wheatstone bridge approach initially, yielding different current values, but was advised to separate the circuit into three loops for simultaneous equations.
  • There is a request for a new image of the circuit drawn as a Wheatstone bridge with the loop currents indicated, along with the derived equations for each loop.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to solve the circuit. There are competing views on whether to use loop currents or branch currents, and the effectiveness of simultaneous equations remains uncertain.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention challenges with the values in the equations being mostly 0.5s and 1s, which complicates the multiplication process. There is also a reference to the need for clearer circuit representation to facilitate the analysis.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals learning about circuit analysis, Kirchhoff's laws, and the application of simultaneous equations in electrical engineering contexts.

tommoturbo
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Homework Statement



I am struggling as usual with quite a confusing circuit i need to find i1 i2 and i3 in this circuit using kirchhoffs laws

i know i need 3 loops



loop 1 is V1...ABCD...V1

loop 2 is V1...ACD...V1

Loop 3 is V1...ABD...V1






Homework Equations







R1=.5 ohm R2=1 ohm R3=1ohm R4=.5ohm R5=1ohm



The Attempt at a Solution


i have worked out loop1 to be



I1R1-I3R5-(I2+I3)R4 = 1V



but the other loops look wrong and then i can't seem to use simultaneus equations effectively.



Any help much appreciated
 

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I can't view your image until it's approved. If you'll upload it to a free image hosting site, and post the link here, I'll be able to view it sooner.
 
The currents you've shown are branch currents, not loop currents.

The circuit is an unbalanced wheatstone bridge. See:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheatstone_bridge

If you redraw it to look like a wheatstone bridger, it will be easier to draw distinct loop currents.
 
Hi Electrician

Thats how i initially approached the question i sent my workings out to my tutor who told me to separate it into the three loops and then use simultaneus equations to find the unknowns,

when i did it initially whith the wheatsone bridge approach i got values of 1.5 1 and 05 for the various currents when i do the loops the values in the equations are mostly .5's and 1s
and are difficult to multiply out
 
Post a new image with the circuit drawn as a wheatstone bridge with 3 loop currents indicated. Show the equations you derived for each loop. Then I can help you.
 
ok will do!


thanks Ian
 

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