Solving for Potential Difference in a Circuit Using Kirchoff's Rule

  • Thread starter Thread starter fubag
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Circuits
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the potential difference V_{ab} in a circuit using Kirchhoff's Rule. The user has determined the currents in various branches of the circuit, noting 0.8 A in the top, 0.2 A in the middle, and 0.6 A at the bottom. They attempted to apply the formula V = IR but encountered issues with their calculation, specifically regarding the direction of the 0.2 A current. Clarification on the current's direction was provided, indicating that the user needed to adjust their approach. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly applying Kirchhoff's laws to solve for potential differences in circuit analysis.
fubag
Messages
105
Reaction score
0
[SOLVED] Kirchoff's Rule on Circuits

Homework Statement


http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/7852/question1zu0.th.jpg

What is the potential difference V_{ab} of point a relative to point b?

I found out earlier that the current in the top branch is 0.8 A

In the middle is 0.2 A

and at the bottom is 0.6A


Homework Equations



So V = IR - IR





The Attempt at a Solution



3*(0.8) - 4*(0.2) = 1.6V



But this isn't working for me...what am I doing wrong?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
the direction of 0.2 A current is in opposite direction...
 
oh thanks a lot!
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Finding potential at a point in capacitor
Replies
2
Views
2K
Unsolved Circuit Question: Ammeter Reading and Potential Difference
Replies
6
Views
1K
RC Circuit and current from a discharging capacitor
Replies
9
Views
7K
Electric Circuit using Kirchoff's rules
Replies
3
Views
1K
Discharging capacitor in RC circuit, confusing path
Replies
3
Views
3K
Single Loop Potential difference -- sign issue
Replies
8
Views
1K
Find the equivalent model of an infinite ladder circuit
Replies
3
Views
3K
Final electric potential difference in a circuit with two capacitors
Replies
4
Views
1K
Which way do I measure the potential difference
Replies
6
Views
1K
What is the potential difference between points A and B in a circuit?
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top