The current, Potential Difference, in a 3-cell circuit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a three-cell circuit, focusing on the calculation of current and potential difference using Kirchhoff's Voltage Law. Participants express uncertainty about how to approach the problem, particularly in relation to the interactions between the cells and the application of fundamental electrical principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss their attempts to apply Kirchhoff's Voltage Law but express confusion about the signs of the currents. There are questions about how to incorporate the cells into calculations and whether to treat them normally or differently. Some suggest breaking down the circuit into series and parallel components for clarity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and seeking clarification on their reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the step-by-step approach to analyzing the circuit, but no consensus has been reached on the correct method to solve the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of dealing with multiple cells in the circuit and the implications this has for their calculations. There is an emphasis on the need for further attempts to clarify the situation before moving forward.

YarnJunior
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Homework Statement


Check the Picture

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I've never dealt with a three-cell circuit before. For calculating the current, I tried doing Kirschoff's Voltage Law, all I kept getting was that I1 = negative I2. I tried taking the current as coming out of the 2 voltage cell, but now I'm starting to doubt myself. However, taking it from the other cells doesn't seem to do anything else. I'm not quite sure how to solve b, or c without a. Any help? Thanks!
 

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WE are doing this in school currently and I don't know if you know this or not, but everything is a variation of V=IR except when adding current and resistance in series/parallel. What i find that helps in this situation is to go through it step by step to figure out what's series and parallel and adding them together step by step.
 
J-Fly said:
WE are doing this in school currently and I don't know if you know this or not, but everything is a variation of V=IR except when adding current and resistance in series/parallel. What i find that helps in this situation is to go through it step by step to figure out what's series and parallel and adding them together step by step.

I'm not quite sure how I can add anything if a cell is present. Do I add it normally or do I have to include the cell somehow?
 
YarnJunior said:

Homework Statement


Check the Picture

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I've never dealt with a three-cell circuit before. For calculating the current, I tried doing Kirschoff's Voltage Law, all I kept getting was that I1 = negative I2. I tried taking the current as coming out of the 2 voltage cell, but now I'm starting to doubt myself. However, taking it from the other cells doesn't seem to do anything else. I'm not quite sure how to solve b, or c without a. Any help? Thanks!
Please post your attempts, it's not enough to describe them.
 

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