Source transformation, current & voltage sources

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of source transformation in electrical circuits, specifically focusing on the addition of current sources and the implications of Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) in this context. Participants are exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of combining current sources and the role of resistors in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether KCL was applied correctly at the common node when adding the two current sources, expressing confusion about ignoring the currents through resistors R1 and R2.
  • Another participant asserts that since there are no components between the tops of the current sources, the total current can be combined into a single source, suggesting that the total current entering the node equals the total current exiting.
  • A subsequent reply reiterates the previous point but raises a concern about the contribution of currents from R1 and R2 when combining the sources.
  • Another participant suggests that some of the combined current will exit through R1 and some through R2, proposing that finding the equivalent resistance of R1 and R2 is necessary to determine the voltage across them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of KCL in the context of combining current sources and the treatment of currents through resistors, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in understanding the application of KCL and KVL, particularly regarding the treatment of components in the circuit and the assumptions made about current flow.

ace8888
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Hi,

I was working on a the source transformation and i got to the part where there are two current sources in the circuit. The current sources were added together (giving they were going in the same direction). This is the part that confused me.

1. Was KCL done at the common node on the top to get the sum of the two current sources?? if so we didnt account for the current of R1 & R2? How can we just add two sources ( i know they are going in the same direction) and ignore the rest of the components?

2. On one of the posts that i read stated, In series the voltage would add and in parallel the current will add?

Please provide explanation/derivation as I'm confused.

thank you!
 

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There are no components between the tops of the current sources (or the bottom either). The total current entering the node is equal to the total current exiting the node. So yes, in this case you can combine them to a single 6 mA source.
 
scottdave said:
There are no components between the tops of the current sources (or the bottom either). The total current entering the node is equal to the total current exiting the node. So yes, in this case you can combine them to a single 6 mA source.
That same node also has current from the both resistors so when you're combining it into one where are those two currents? That was my question if KVL was done at the top node, you don't account for the current of R1 and R2??
 
Some of that 6mA will exit through R1, and some will exit through R2. What you want to do, is find an equivalent resistance of R1||R2, then find voltage of 6 mA through this resistor.
 

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