Solve Kirchoff's Laws Homework: R1-R5, i1=1mA

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Kirchhoff's Laws to a circuit involving resistors R1 to R5, with a given current i1 of 1mA. Participants are tasked with finding the current through each resistor based on the circuit's configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about the best approach to start solving the problem, particularly regarding finding equivalent resistance in the given circuit geometry. There are attempts to write Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) equations for various nodes, with some participants questioning how to include all relevant nodes in their equations.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of KCL equations, with participants sharing their attempts and expressing frustration over the complexity of the circuit. Some guidance has been offered regarding the formulation of KCL equations, but no consensus has been reached on the best method to proceed.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the challenge of visualizing the circuit and the need to redraw diagrams for clarity. There is also a reference to the potential confusion caused by the circuit's layout and the relationships between the currents at different nodes.

Liquidxlax
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Homework Statement



don't mind my cruddy drawing :P

WYPd5.jpg


R1 to R3 = 1000 Ω

R4 to R5 = 2000 Ω

i1 = 1mA= 1x10-3A

Find the current through each resistor.

Homework Equations



parallel Rp = (sum)(1/Ri)-1

series Rs = (sum)(Ri))

ΔV=iR

The Attempt at a Solution



i'm not sure of the best way to star this one because it is a little awkward to me. I thought the best way to do it would be to find Equivalent Resistance, but I have no idea how to do that with this geometry.

i know current at the start equals the end. each loop from start to finish ends in 0 potential0 = ΔV -i2R1 - i5R2 - i6R3

0 = ΔV -i2R1 - i4R5

0= ΔV - i3R4 - i6R3

i1 = i2 + i3

thanks
 
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Liquidxlax said:

Homework Statement



don't mind my cruddy drawing :P

WYPd5.jpg


R1 to R3 = 1000 Ω

R4 to R5 = 2000 Ω

i1 = 1mA= 1x10-3A

Find the current through each resistor.

Homework Equations



parallel Rp = (sum)(1/Ri)-1

series Rs = (sum)(Ri))

ΔV=iR


The Attempt at a Solution



i'm not sure of the best way to star this one because it is a little awkward to me. I thought the best way to do it would be to find Equivalent Resistance, but I have no idea how to do that with this geometry.

i know current at the start equals the end. each loop from start to finish ends in 0 potential


0 = ΔV -i2R1 - i5R2 - i6R3

0 = ΔV -i2R1 - i4R5

0= ΔV - i3R4 - i6R3

i1 = i2 + i3

thanks

When in doubt, I just start writing KCL equations and then solve them for the unknowns.

So in this circuit, I'd draw ground at the right node, put an unknown voltage V at the left node, and write KCL equations for the middle 2 nodes. Solve away, and see if that gets you what you want...
 
if I'm thinking of the right nodes... how can you write an equation for the middle? you have to include the outer ones. i wrote out every equation i could possibly think of.

I'm to tired right now to fuss over the little things. just imagine the numbers are the currents and the nodes are a b c d

@ a 1 = 2 + 3

@ b 2 = 4 + 5

@ c 6 = 5 + 3

@ d 1 = 6 + 4

6+4 = 3+2

6+4= 6-5 +2

4 = 2-5

kind aggravated with this one
 
Liquidxlax said:
if I'm thinking of the right nodes... how can you write an equation for the middle? you have to include the outer ones. i wrote out every equation i could possibly think of.

I'm to tired right now to fuss over the little things. just imagine the numbers are the currents and the nodes are a b c d

@ a 1 = 2 + 3

@ b 2 = 4 + 5

@ c 6 = 5 + 3

@ d 1 = 6 + 4

6+4 = 3+2

6+4= 6-5 +2

4 = 2-5

kind aggravated with this one

I'm not understanding your post. The KCL equations will be one per node, and will be in the form of a sum of currents. Each current will generally be expressed as a voltage difference between 2 nodes divided by the resistance between those two nodes.
 
berkeman said:
I'm not understanding your post. The KCL equations will be one per node, and will be in the form of a sum of currents. Each current will generally be expressed as a voltage difference between 2 nodes divided by the resistance between those two nodes.

i guess i will redraw my picture and label the nodes. i know what you mean, by kcl. the first node would be

current 1 = current 2 + current 3
 
Liquidxlax said:
i guess i will redraw my picture and label the nodes. i know what you mean, by kcl. the first node would be

current 1 = current 2 + current 3

I prefer to write my KCL equations as the sum of all currents leaving a node is zero. But that's up to personal preference.
 
berkeman said:
I prefer to write my KCL equations as the sum of all currents leaving a node is zero. But that's up to personal preference.

okay but at the nodes 3 and 4 with current i5 and i4, do those split up 2 ways or do they just continue to the end of the circuit?
 

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