Thevenin's equivalent circuit is a simplified model of a complex network that consists of a single voltage source in series with a single resistor. It represents the behavior of the network as seen from two terminals, and is used to simplify calculations and analysis of the network.
To calculate Thevenin's equivalent circuit, the original network is replaced with its open-circuit voltage, which is the voltage across the two terminals where the load would be connected. The equivalent resistance is then calculated by removing the load from the original network and finding the resistance between the two terminals.
Thevenin's equivalent circuit is used to simplify complex networks and make them easier to analyze. It allows for the determination of the behavior of the network under different load conditions without having to consider all the individual components of the network.
Thevenin's equivalent circuit represents the network as a single voltage source and resistor in series, while Norton's equivalent circuit represents the network as a single current source and resistor in parallel. Both equivalent circuits can be used to simplify the analysis of a network, but they are interchangeable only for linear networks.
No, Thevenin's equivalent circuit can only be used for linear networks. Non-linear networks require more advanced techniques, such as the use of Thevenin's theorem, to analyze their behavior.