Power Dissipation (more than one battery)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the power dissipated by a 10.0 ohm resistor in a circuit with multiple voltage sources. The key equations used include P=IV, I²R, and V²R. Participants highlight the importance of recognizing parallel and series configurations among voltage sources and resistors. A recommended approach is to select a reference node at the junction of the three voltage sources to simplify calculations of potentials and power dissipation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (V=IR)
  • Familiarity with power equations (P=IV, P=I²R, P=V²/R)
  • Knowledge of circuit analysis techniques (series and parallel combinations)
  • Ability to identify reference nodes in electrical circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study circuit analysis techniques for multiple voltage sources
  • Learn about power dissipation in resistors using P=IV and P=I²R
  • Explore the concept of reference nodes in circuit analysis
  • Investigate the effects of connecting voltage sources in parallel
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone involved in analyzing complex electrical circuits with multiple voltage sources.

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Homework Statement



For the circuit shown, find the power dissipated by the 10.0 ohm resistor.

(as attached)

Homework Equations



P=IV=I2R=V2R
V=IR

The Attempt at a Solution



I really don't know where to start with this. I'm basically tied up in the fact that there are three different sources of voltage.

Am I to add the series/parallel resistances up for the whole circuit? I think I have to find current I in order to solve this but I'm really confused.
 

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None of the resistances or voltage sources is in series or parallel as the circuit is now.

However the positive sides of the 10 ohm voltage sources are at the same potential, so you can connect them with a wire without affecting any of the currents or voltages in the circuit.
two of the resistors and two of the voltage sources are now parallel.

(If you have two equal voltage sources in parallel you can replace them with a single source of the same voltage. If you have two unequal voltage sources in parallel you get a short circuit)
 
To solve this kind of problems, it is customary to choose one node as a reference(0V). After that you can calculate potentials with respect to that node and consequently power dissipations in resistors.
My sugestion is to choose the node where the 3 voltage sources meet as your 0V referece.
 

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