# Homework Help: Open Circuit Voltage, Thevenin Equivalent

1. Apr 1, 2010

### hbweb500

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Find the open circuit voltage across A & B:

2. Relevant equations
V = IR

3. The attempt at a solution

If I0 is the current leaving the voltage source and passing through the first resistor, I1 is the current through the left resistor in parallel, and I2 through the two other resistors, then:

$$V - I_0 R - I_1 R = 0$$

$$-2 I_2 R + I_1 R = 0$$

$$I_0 = I_1 + I_2$$

Solving gives a current $$I_2 = \frac{2 V}{5R}$$, therefore the potential difference across the A & B terminals is $$\Delta V = I_2 R = \frac{2 V}{5}$$

The book says this is [tex]\frac{V}{5}[tex].

Am I doing something wrong, or have I found an error in the book?

2. Apr 1, 2010

### willem2

You made an error while solving the equations. You can see this if you try to find all the currents: If I_2 = 2V/5R then I_1 is 4V/5R and I_0 wil be 6V/5R, but this means that the leftmost resistance has a potential difference of 1.2 V_0 across it, wich is impossible.

This problem is easier to solve if you compute the thevenin equivalent of the circuit to the left of C and D first. It will also be useful when you have to compute the short circuit current of the entire circuit.

3. Apr 1, 2010

### hbweb500

Yep, that's the case. I must have plugged it into Mathematica wrong.