Potential difference between points d and c in circuit

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the potential difference between points d and c in a circuit with two batteries and three resistors. The user attempted to use superposition to find the current through R2, but their final answer was incorrect. They expressed confusion over the direction of current flow and its effect on potential difference. Other participants confirmed that the user's method was correct but suggested maintaining more significant digits in calculations. The circuit's configuration, with the two batteries in series, is crucial for determining the potential difference accurately.
Omar FTM
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Homework Statement


In the figure below, what is the potential difference Vd - Vc between points d and c if E1(of 1st battery) = 4.7 V, E2((of 2nd battery) = 1.4 V, R1 = R2 = 11 Ω, and R3 = 6.7 Ω, and the batteries are ideal?
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5053/5469093809_53c7fe57f4.jpg

Homework Equations


V= IR

The Attempt at a Solution


I used superposition in order to find the current at R2 which leads to V2 = I2R2.
I separated the circuit into two circuits , each with one battery and its own calculations then I added them together , but the final answer seems wrong for an unknown reason...
https://scontent-sin6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t35.0-12/15302523_1489883864359796_661161770_o.jpg?oh=7c4c036aa34ea2f78ce415299ea1557d&oe=58425946
 
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What is the direction of flow of the final current? Will it cause a potential drop or a potential rise between node d and node c?
 
There's 3 circuits...
 
gneill said:
What is the direction of flow of the final current? Will it cause a potential drop or a potential rise between node d and node c?
The current flow as mentioned is upward on R2.
I tried puting -0.3 v and 0.3v , both were wrong.

SSWheels said:
There's 3 circuits...
There are only two batteries and 3 resistors.
 
Omar FTM said:
The current flow as mentioned is upward on R2.
I tried puting -0.3 v and 0.3v , both were wrong.
Yeah, you'll probably want to conserve more digits through your intermediate calculations.
 
gneill said:
Yeah, you'll probably want to conserve more digits through your intermediate calculations.
But my steps are right , are not they ? I will do it using less rounding this time.
 
Omar FTM said:
But my steps are right , are not they ? I will do it using less rounding this time.
Your steps looked fine when I scanned through your work.
 
Omar FTM said:
The current flow as mentioned is upward on R2.
I tried puting -0.3 v and 0.3v , both were wrong.There are only two batteries and 3 resistors.
Yes, but the two batteries are in series with each other, forming a circuit with R1 & R2
 

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