Solving Circuit Problems: Find i_1 and i_2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving circuit problems to find the currents i_1 and i_2 in a given circuit diagram. Participants are sharing their approaches, equations, and calculations related to the circuit analysis, focusing on node voltage methods and current flow assumptions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in obtaining correct answers for i_1 and i_2, detailing their calculations and a sign error that caused confusion.
  • Another participant suggests checking the math and confirms that the equations used are correct.
  • A third participant presents their own calculations for i_1 and i_2, arriving at i_1 = -2A and i_2 = 2A, based on the equations derived from the circuit.
  • A fourth participant describes their method of using node analysis, explaining their assumptions about current flow and voltage definitions, leading to the same results for i_1 and i_2 as the previous participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the equations used for the circuit analysis, but there is some uncertainty regarding the calculations and the interpretation of current flow. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the correctness of the final values for i_1 and i_2, as participants present differing perspectives on the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include potential sign errors in calculations, assumptions about current direction, and the dependence on the definitions of voltage and current flow. The discussion does not resolve these issues.

Rozenwyn
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http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/8136/423ky7.jpg

I have trouble getting the correct answers.

I tried:
At node V1 [tex]\ i_1 + \frac{v_2-v_1}{5} = \frac{v_1}{20} \ \longrightarrow[/tex] Solve for [tex]i_1[/tex]
ok let's try.
[tex]i_1 + \frac{15-4}{5} = \frac{4}{20}[/tex]
[tex]i_1 = \frac{1}{5} - \frac{11}{5}[/tex]
[tex]i_1 = \frac{-10}{5} = -2A[/tex]

@Cornea: Indeed, the equations seem to be correct. *bangs head to the table.* Can't believe a sign error could waste 2 hrs of my life. Hmmm, need more sleep ... more sleep.

Then;

Ar node V2 [tex]\ \frac{v_2-v_1}{5} + \frac{v_2-v_3}{15} = i_2 \ \longrightarrow[/tex] Solve for [tex]i_2[/tex]

When I solve for [tex]i_1, \ i_2[/tex] I get wrong answers.
 
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Check you math. Your equations are correct.
 
From your own equations:

i1 = v1/20 + v1/5 - v2/5 = 4/20 + 4/5 - 15/5 = 1/5 + 4/5 -4 = 1 -3 = -2

i2 = 15/5 - 4/5 + 15/15 - 18/15 = 3 - 12/15 + 1 - 18/15 = 4 - 2 = 2
 
There are two easy nodes that I used for the question.
First, the node on the top left conner below -2A,I got:
i_1=(v_1-v_2)/5+(v_1-0/20), assuming the -2A flowing into the node while the other two flowing out of the node.There's a point to note .When we assume the current flowing from the left to the right, we are using the concept that the potential on the left is higher than that on the right .(referring to the definition of convectional voltage)
Same thing with equation two, where I utilize the button node in the middle . The 2A is flowing out while two other currents are flowing into the node, i_2=(v_1-0/20)+(v_3-0/10)

Solve above two equations, I got i_1=-2A and i_2=2A---#
 

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