Solve Node Voltage Analysis: I1, I2, I3 Values

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around using node voltage analysis to determine the values of currents I1, I2, and I3 in a given circuit. Participants are working through the calculations and assumptions involved in the analysis, addressing potential errors and clarifications related to the circuit's parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • The initial setup involves assumptions about current direction and voltage polarity, with a specific nodal analysis approach applied at Node A.
  • One participant notes a potential issue with scaling resistances and currents, particularly questioning the treatment of a 10 mA current source in the equations.
  • Another participant reports calculated values for voltages VA and VB as 20 volts and 44 volts, respectively, and seeks confirmation on their validity.
  • There is a suggestion that the values obtained appear reasonable, although no further verification of the calculations is provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to the problem and the reasonableness of the calculated voltage values, but there is no consensus on the correctness of the calculations or the implications of the scaling issue raised.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the scaling of currents and resistances, as well as the accuracy of the calculations leading to the reported voltage values.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals interested in electrical engineering concepts, particularly those studying circuit analysis and node voltage methods.

jdawg
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Homework Statement


Use node voltage analysis to determine values for I1, I2, and I3. If a current has a negative value, then the reference direction chosen was incorrect and the current is positive in the opposite direction.

I attached a picture of the circuit. The things in blue (current ix and the nodes A and B) are what I put in the circuit when I was trying to solve it. They weren't in the original drawing of the circuit.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Assume currents entering a node are negative and currents leaving a node are positive. Assume voltage rise as positive and a voltage drop as negative.

I started by doing a nodal analysis at Node A:

-ix+ (VA-VRef)/(10)+(VA-VB)/(20)=0

ix=(28-VA)/(10)

Substituted in ix and then simplified to get this:
5VA-VB=56

Here's the part I'm not really confident about:

At node B:
(VB-VA)/(20)+(VB)/(5)=10mA

I keep getting a ridiculously small number. I guess it kind of makes since since I have mA and kΩ, but I just feel like I'm doing something wrong.

Thanks for any help!
 

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If you're going to scale the resistances (such as writing 20 for 20 kΩ), then you'll need to scale current as well, and the 10 mA current source in particular. It's not clear if you've done that or not, since you left the "mA" unit in the node equation for node B and didn't show any follow on work.

What values are you getting for ##V_A## and ##V_B##?
 
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Ohhh awesome, thanks! I think I just wasn't paying close enough attention to what I was doing. This is what I have now: VA =20 volts and VB=44 volts. Do you think that makes sense?
 
jdawg said:
Ohhh awesome, thanks! I think I just wasn't paying close enough attention to what I was doing. This is what I have now: VA =20 volts and VB=44 volts. Do you think that makes sense?
Yes, looks quite reasonable.
 
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Thanks so much for your help! :)
 
jdawg said:
Thanks so much for your help! :)
You're very welcome :smile:
 

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