Solve Node Voltage Analysis: I1, I2, I3 Values

AI Thread Summary
Node voltage analysis was used to determine the values of currents I1, I2, and I3 in a given circuit. The user initially struggled with the calculations, particularly at Node B, where they were unsure about the scaling of resistances and currents. After some guidance, they recalculated and found the node voltages VA and VB to be 20 volts and 44 volts, respectively. The final values were confirmed as reasonable by other participants in the discussion. The importance of correctly scaling units in nodal analysis was emphasized throughout the conversation.
jdawg
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Homework Statement


Use node voltage analysis to determine values for I1, I2, and I3. If a current has a negative value, then the reference direction chosen was incorrect and the current is positive in the opposite direction.

I attached a picture of the circuit. The things in blue (current ix and the nodes A and B) are what I put in the circuit when I was trying to solve it. They weren't in the original drawing of the circuit.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Assume currents entering a node are negative and currents leaving a node are positive. Assume voltage rise as positive and a voltage drop as negative.

I started by doing a nodal analysis at Node A:

-ix+ (VA-VRef)/(10)+(VA-VB)/(20)=0

ix=(28-VA)/(10)

Substituted in ix and then simplified to get this:
5VA-VB=56

Here's the part I'm not really confident about:

At node B:
(VB-VA)/(20)+(VB)/(5)=10mA

I keep getting a ridiculously small number. I guess it kind of makes since since I have mA and kΩ, but I just feel like I'm doing something wrong.

Thanks for any help!
 

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If you're going to scale the resistances (such as writing 20 for 20 kΩ), then you'll need to scale current as well, and the 10 mA current source in particular. It's not clear if you've done that or not, since you left the "mA" unit in the node equation for node B and didn't show any follow on work.

What values are you getting for ##V_A## and ##V_B##?
 
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Ohhh awesome, thanks! I think I just wasn't paying close enough attention to what I was doing. This is what I have now: VA =20 volts and VB=44 volts. Do you think that makes sense?
 
jdawg said:
Ohhh awesome, thanks! I think I just wasn't paying close enough attention to what I was doing. This is what I have now: VA =20 volts and VB=44 volts. Do you think that makes sense?
Yes, looks quite reasonable.
 
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Thanks so much for your help! :)
 
jdawg said:
Thanks so much for your help! :)
You're very welcome :smile:
 

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