Thevenin Equal Resistance - Strange Circuit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Thevenin Equivalent Resistance (Rτ) in a circuit where the load is resistor R4. Participants express confusion regarding the connections of the resistors and the treatment of voltage sources when determining Rτ between points A and B.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of removing voltage sources by short-circuiting them and the implications for the connections of resistors R1, R2, R3, and R5. There are questions about the correct interpretation of parallel and series connections among these resistors.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on redrawing the circuit to better visualize the connections. There is acknowledgment of confusion regarding the calculations and the arrangement of resistors, with multiple interpretations of the equivalent resistance being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that R2 and R3 are not in series due to the presence of load R4, and there is uncertainty about the correct configuration of the circuit after short-circuiting the voltage sources.

staggarhs
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Homework Statement



I want to find Rτ (Thevenin Equal Resistance) if the load is R4 in the attached image's circuit.
As easy it may seem, I get confused because it asks for the equal resistance between A and B.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



We remove the voltage sources and s/c them. Then we have: R1 is parallel to (R2+R3) -> R1//(R2+R3).
R5 parallel to the rest. So we have in total: Rτ= [R1//(R2+R3)] // R5
 

Attachments

  • circuit.jpg
    circuit.jpg
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Last edited:
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Welcome to PF :smile:

I see no current sources in the figure, those are voltage sources. So, what do we do with voltage sources?

Also, note R2 & R3 are not actually in series. Because node A has a path leading to R4, they (R2 & R3) do not have an equal current going through them.
 
Sorry my mistake. I meant Voltage sources. I need to find the Thevenin Equivalent Resistance if i take R4 as the load. So I replace voltage sources with short-circuit and also remove the load R4. From this point could you help me figure out the connections of the resistors ?

Thanks again...
 
Your approach looks ok. But the calculations are wrong. Check again how to calculate the paralleled resistances. Have you gotten ET already?
 
Kruum said:
Your approach looks ok. But the calculations are wrong. Check again how to calculate the paralleled resistances. Have you gotten ET already?

I haven't done any calculations yet, I just indicated how I think the resistors are connected. No I just want to find RT
 
staggarhs said:
I haven't done any calculations yet, I just indicated how I think the resistors are connected. No I just want to find RT

Oh, okay. I thought those //'s were division marks.
 
staggarhs said:
Sorry my mistake. I meant Voltage sources. I need to find the Thevenin Equivalent Resistance if i take R4 as the load. So I replace voltage sources with short-circuit and also remove the load R4. From this point could you help me figure out the connections of the resistors ?

Thanks again...

I would redraw the figure (with voltage sources shorted), with "A" at the very top and "B" at the bottom. Redraw/move the resistors around until you see some that are in parallel or series, and combine them.
 
Redbelly98 said:
I would redraw the figure (with voltage sources shorted), with "A" at the very top and "B" at the bottom. Redraw/move the resistors around until you see some that are in parallel or series, and combine them.

I came up with this one, but the equivalent is different than the first one i posted ( Rτ= [R1//(R2+R3)] // R5 )

In this case it is: RΤ=[(R1+R2)//R3 + R5]

Please give me any hint as I am very confused.
Thanks a lot
 

Attachments

  • circuit2.jpg
    circuit2.jpg
    3.5 KB · Views: 396
staggarhs said:
Please give me any hint as I am very confused.
Thanks a lot

I'm not sure if this is any help to you, but what can be said about any open circuit (i.e. unconnected wires)?
 
Last edited:
  • #10
staggarhs said:
I came up with this one, but the equivalent is different than the first one i posted ( Rτ= [R1//(R2+R3)] // R5 )

In this case it is: RΤ=[(R1+R2)//R3 + R5]

Please give me any hint as I am very confused.
Thanks a lot

There's some problems with your figure. Just for example, R2 should connect between A & B, after Vs2 is shorted.
 

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