Nodal analysis physical problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physical understanding of nodal analysis in DC circuits, particularly the implications of selecting a reference node and the effects on voltage measurements throughout the circuit. Participants explore the conceptual underpinnings of potential differences and the role of ground in circuit analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how setting a node voltage to zero as a reference point affects the voltages of other nodes, questioning the physical implications of this choice.
  • Another participant clarifies that choosing a reference node means all other node voltages are measured relative to it, implying a direct relationship between node voltages.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that potential difference is defined as a path-integral of charge movement in an electric field, suggesting a fundamental definition that may clarify the participant's confusion.
  • One participant mentions that attaching a node to ground results in zero voltage at that node, raising questions about how electrons move from lower to higher voltage points in the circuit.
  • Another participant points out that current is defined as the flow of positive charge, contrasting it with electron flow, which may influence the understanding of voltage and current direction.
  • Several participants discuss the idea that connecting a circuit to ground does not necessitate electron flow into the circuit, indicating a nuanced understanding of grounding in circuit analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants show some agreement on the mechanics of nodal analysis and the definitions of potential difference, but there remains uncertainty and differing interpretations regarding the physical implications of grounding and electron flow in circuits.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in their understanding of how grounding affects circuit analysis and the movement of electrons, indicating a need for further clarification on these concepts.

green-fresh
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in the nodal analysis -one of ways of analysis DC circuit - i couldn't understand the physical roots of this way .

i mean how could i make the voltage of a node equal to zero by make it as a reference point without having any effects on the voltage(electric potential) of the rest nodes .

from algebra view I'm sure 100% that this way is correct but physically i find difficult to say that the potential difference of the branch "ab" is:
U_{ab}=v_{a}-v_{b}
and put for example 'a' as reference point and the <u>_{ab}</u> become -v_{b} .

could you explain the answer of this physical problem ! please.

thank you
 
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green-fresh said:
in the nodal analysis -one of ways of analysis DC circuit - i couldn't understand the physical roots of this way .

i mean how could i make the voltage of a node equal to zero by make it as a reference point without having any effects on the voltage(electric potential) of the rest nodes .

You can't. When you choose a node as the reference node and call its voltage zero, all the other node voltages will be referenced to that node.

green-fresh said:
from algebra view I'm sure 100% that this way is correct but physically i find difficult to say that the potential difference of the branch "ab" is:
U_{ab}=v_{a}-v_{b}
and put for example 'a' as reference point and the <u>_{ab}</u> become -v_{b} .

could you explain the answer of this physical problem ! please.

thank you


At each node, you use the KCL to write an equation that involves the voltage at that node, with respec to the voltages of surrounding nodes. The sum of the currents leaving the node has to equal zero, so that's how you write the equation for each node. The voltage differences are used to express the currents leaving the node in the different directions.

Does that help?
 
from algebra view I'm sure 100% that this way is correct but physically i find difficult to say that the potential difference of the branch "ab" is:

The potential difference is defined as a path-integral of a charge moved in an electric field from point A to point B which produces a simple potential difference like V2 - V1 if Electric field is constant as is in a voltage or current source.
 
thank you berkeman for this useful informations
The voltage differences are used to express the currents leaving the node in the different directions
as what 'what' said:
The potential difference is defined as a path-integral of a charge moved in an electric field from point A to point B which produces a simple potential difference
attachment.php?attachmentid=26743&stc=1&d=1277794792.jpg


and from this to definitions i can tell you exactly what i mean:
when i attach the node to ground i had zero voltage in this node . physically
the electrons must go from the smaller voltage point(v_{ground}=0) to the biger voltage(upper positive point) > how this works , or is this way of thinking is wrong?.

thank you again:smile:
 

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You don't need to connect a ground to the circuit. And current is defined as the direction of positive charge flow. i.e. the opposite direction of the electron flow.

Take a look at this example of http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q...q8nrJ&sig=AHIEtbSm6Plp9OVqQqU3rTv2tnAQgOEhFg"

The first step in the analysis is to label all the nodes except for the common node...

Secondly, label the currents entering or leaving each node...

The next step is to write the KCL equation for each node except the common node...
 
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thank you dlgoff but i know how to do analyzing using this method but i can't understander
the case of connecting the circuit to ground without eletrons going up to circuits and have influence to other voltages
 
You can call any point the circuit ground and it won't change the analysis. If you are talking putting a wire connection to the earth, electrons can't just enter the circuit.
 
yes! thank you very much dlgoff this is what i wanted to hear
electrons can't just enter the circuit.
 

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