Mistake in this node analysis work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the correctness of node analysis in circuit theory, specifically focusing on the equations related to node V2 and the interpretation of voltage drops and rises in relation to current direction. The scope includes technical explanations and conceptual clarifications regarding nodal analysis methods.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the validity of the term (V1-V2)/2 in the equations for node V2, suggesting it may be erroneous.
  • Another participant introduces the 'king of the hill' method for nodal analysis, emphasizing the assumption that the node is at the highest potential and discussing how current sources should be treated in the equations.
  • A different participant advises maintaining the negative sign for incoming currents to avoid mistakes in identifying current directions and suggests rearranging the KCL equation to reflect the balance of incoming and outgoing currents.
  • A later reply reiterates the concern about the (V1-V2)/2 term, asserting that it does not belong in the equation and emphasizes the relationship between current flow and potential difference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the equations presented, particularly regarding the inclusion of the (V1-V2)/2 term. There is no consensus on the resolution of these issues, and multiple competing interpretations of the nodal analysis method are present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of assumptions made in nodal analysis, such as the direction of current and the treatment of voltage drops and rises, which may not be universally agreed upon. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of these concepts.

influx
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node2.png


Is the working out for node V2 wrong? In particular, I am referring to the (V1-V2)/2 term in equation 2?

Also, is the voltage drop always in the same direction as the current or is the voltage rise always in the same direction as the current?

Thanks
 
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Here is a good way to do nodal. have you ever heard of 'king of the hill' method?

You assume that your node is the point of highest potential.. that is, everything flows away from the node you're working on at that time. The signs will fall out correctly. Current sources are entered to the equations corresponding to their directions. Everything else is assumed leaving.

4Ix = V1/8 + (V1-V2)/2 (notice how everything was assumed to leave the node except current injections).

for node 2, you can do the same.

5-3Ix = V2/4 + (V2-V1)/2

Notice here in this equation we assumed V2 was at the higher potential. This is fine, as long as we assume it is the point of highest potential in all parts of the equation for that node.

I cannot solve the equations for you, but I sure hope this clarifies any confusion with Nodal analysis. ( I can say that the equations as I have written them are not quite where you want to start, you can entirely eliminate Ix from the equations).

Does it make sense? Any questions/corrections on what I have written are most welcome.
 
The trick is to leave the negative sign in front of the incoming currents, rather than expanding it out like you have done in the first term in equation 1. That way, you won't make common mistakes when identifying the correct direction of the current.
Also, if you move all your negative currents to the other side of the KCL equation, you should be able to see that the sum of all the incoming currents entering a node, equals the sum of all the outgoing currents leaving that node.
 
influx said:
Is the working out for node V2 wrong? In particular, I am referring to the (V1-V2)/2 term in equation 2?
I think it has been confirmed that that particular term doesn't belong in the equation. It's erroneous.

Also, is the voltage drop always in the same direction as the current or is the voltage rise always in the same direction as the current?
Current flows from higher potential towards lower potential.
 

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