Kirchhoff's Loop Rule Problem.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving Kirchhoff's Loop Rule, specifically focusing on finding the potential difference between points 'A' and 'D' in a circuit with multiple branches and resistors. The original poster has made assumptions about the configuration of the circuit, particularly regarding the placement of an emf 'E' cell.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Kirchhoff's Laws and question the validity of the original poster's assumptions regarding current distribution and voltage across branches. There are attempts to clarify the implications of having different voltage sources in the branches and how that affects current flow.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the application of Kirchhoff's Rules and emphasizing the need to avoid introducing unverified assumptions into the circuit analysis. There is recognition of the need to clarify the problem statement and the conditions under which the potential difference is to be calculated.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original problem statement lacks clarity regarding the configuration of the circuit and the role of the emf 'E'. There is also mention of the need to consider the effects of different voltage sources on the circuit behavior.

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Homework Statement


Actually, the main question is to find out the potential difference between the points 'A' and 'D'.
The cell with emf 'E' has not been shown in the main question, but I have assumed it to be connected between 'A' and 'D'. Each resistor is of 1 Ohm.

2. The attempt at a solution
While solving the question, I applied Kirchhoff's Laws
Let 'I' be the current and let 'I1' be the current through the branch QR.
Since the total resistance offered by the branches (QR, PS, TU) is same (One ohm) , the currents through them will also be the same.
Assuming E > 3 V ( where 'E' is the emf of the cell)

Applying Kirchhoff's Current Law,
I = 3 I1
Applying KVL to the loop BAPQRDCB,
Δ V = 0
So, I(1) + I1(1) + 3 = E ...(1)
Similarly,
When KVL is applied to the loop BAPSDCB,
I(1) + I1 (1) + 2 = E ...(2)
(1) = (2), as E = E,
Which, on solving, gives 2 = 3!
Where did I go wrong?
uyy.png
 
Last edited:
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Prashasti said:

Homework Statement


Actually, the main question is to find out the potential difference between the points 'A' and 'D'.
The cell with emf 'E' has not been shown in the main question, but I have assumed it to be connected between 'A' and 'D'. Each resistor is of 1 Ohm.

2. The attempt at a solution
While solving the question, I applied Kirchhoff's Laws
Let 'I' be the current and let 'I1' be the current through the branch QR.
Since the total resistance offered by the branches (QR, PS, TU) is same (One ohm) , the currents through them will also be the same.

That is not true. The potential difference is the same across the three branches: VP-VS. As there are different cells in every branch, the voltages across the resistors are also different.

You can denote the currents flowing in the branches I1, (upper branch) I2 (middle branch) and I3 (bottom branch). Then I=I1+I2+I3. Write the loop equation for the loops which contain E and the series 1 ohm and one of the branches.

kircloop.JPG
 
Prashasti said:
The cell with emf 'E' has not been shown in the main question, but I have assumed it to be connected between 'A' and 'D'.
1) What was shown in the main question ? Nothing there? Or a short-circuit ? Was anything mentioned about E at all ?

Since the total resistance offered by the branches (QR, PS, TU) is same (One ohm) , the currents through them will also be the same.
No. There are voltage sources too !
2) so that gets rid of I = 3 I1. You will need to split up I in I1, I2, I3.

[edit] ah, ehild was faster !
 
No, only the portion of the figure between the points A and D has been given.

But, I've assumed E > 3V.. So the current will pass according to the cell with emf 'E' only? Am I right?
 
Prashasti said:
No, only the portion of the figure between the points A and D has been given.

But, I've assumed E > 3V.. So the current will pass according to the cell with emf 'E' only? Am I right?
No. You are not correct about that.

Use Kirchhoff's Rules, as suggested by the title of your thread.

Don't introduce anything extra into the circuit.
 
Was the current I given? Or were you asked to give the potential difference in terms of I?
 
ehild said:
Was the current I given? Or were you asked to give the potential difference in terms of I?
No. I added it myself..
 
SammyS said:
No. You are not correct about that.

Use Kirchhoff's Rules, as suggested by the title of your thread.

Don't introduce anything extra into the circuit.
What would have happened if there was a question with the same circuit diagram and a cell with emf (E) 12 V was present there?
 
If it is no indication that current flows through the leftmost resistor, you have to assume it zero. There is current in the three branches only, and find the potential difference between points A and D.
 
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Prashasti said:
What would have happened if there was a question with the same circuit diagram and a cell with emf (E) 12 V was present there?
The question in your Original Post asks the potential difference between A and D. If you introduce an ideal voltage source, E, as you have the answer becomes trivial. The potential difference between A and D is just that of the voltage source.

It would help if you would state the problem with the wording as it was given to you.
 
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So, the mistake lies in that "assumption" itself. It messed everything up.
Thanks a lot!
 

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