Solve Kirchoff's Problem: Find Current Across Resistor Network

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the current across a resistor network that includes multiple resistors and batteries, specifically focusing on a resistor labeled R with a resistance of 236.6 ohms, along with 80, 20, and 70 ohm resistors. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to approach the problem due to the presence of three batteries, one of which is oriented differently.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Kirchhoff's Rules, including the conservation of current and potential differences. There is mention of using superposition as a potential method. Questions arise regarding the initial assumptions about current direction and the impact of having multiple batteries.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring various approaches to the problem, including the use of Kirchhoff's Laws and the need to establish equations based on the circuit diagram. Some guidance has been offered regarding the treatment of unknowns and the implications of negative values in calculated currents or voltages.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster's confusion stemming from the complexity added by multiple batteries and differing orientations, which may affect the setup of the equations needed to solve the problem.

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Hi, I'm new here. I've seen that other people have gotten homework help before. For this problem, I have to fine the current, in amperes, across the R, 80, 20, and 70 resistor. The R resistor is 236.6 ohms. I'm not sure where to start because of the three batteries. Here is a picture of my problem
http://i.imgur.com/JvKWegd.gif
 
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Pork5 said:
Hi, I'm new here. I've seen that other people have gotten homework help before. For this problem, I have to find the current, in amperes, across the R, 80, 20, and 70 resistor. The R resistor is 236.6 ohms. I'm not sure where to start because of the three batteries. Here is a picture of my problem
http://i.imgur.com/JvKWegd.gif
attachment.php?attachmentid=55822&stc=1&d=1361070088.gif


Hello Pork5. Welcome to PF !

Do you know Kichhoff's Rules?

Start with them.

It can also be solved using superposition, if that's allowed for you.
 

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I know that the sum of the currents entering is the same as leaving. Also that the sum of potential differences is 0. I'm just not sure where to start with three batteries, plus one that is oriented different than the other two. Some of the videos that I saw on this topic had only 1 battery.
 
Basically with problems like this you have a number of unknowns (currents and voltages). You need to mark these on the diagram then use KVL and KCL to write enough simultaneous equations to solve for the unknowns.

At the outset you might not know which direction current will flow in any particular branch of the circuit nor which end of a resistor is +ve but that doesn't matter. Just as long as you are consistent when writing the equations.

If at the end you discover one of the calculated currents or voltages is negative that just means your initial arbitrary choice for the direction was wrong. There is no need to change anything.
 

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