Using Kirchhoff's rules to calculate current

[trevorwisc]

1. Calculate the three currents indicated in the circuit diagram below.

I have attached the diagram.

How would I use Kirchhoff's laws to find the currents I am getting thrown off by the third loop.

 

[gneill]

1. Calculate the three currents indicated in the circuit diagram below.

I have attached the diagram.

How would I use Kirchhoff's laws to find the currents I am getting thrown off by the third loop.

How are you "getting thrown off by the third loop"? You'll have to show your attempt at a solution so we can see how to help.

 

[trevorwisc]

How are you "getting thrown off by the third loop"? You'll have to show your attempt at a solution so we can see how to help.

Solution attempt:

I1 loop 9.00V-9.00(I1)=0 so I1=1A
I2 loop 12.00v-6.00(I2)=0 so I2=2A
For I3 loop 12.00V-10(I3)-8(I1)-1(I2)=0 by plugging in I1 and I2 I get I3 to be 5A.

 

[gneill]

Solution attempt:

I1 loop 9.00V-9.00(I1)=0 so I1=1A
I2 loop 12.00v-6.00(I2)=0 so I2=2A
For I3 loop 12.00V-10(I3)-8(I1)-1(I2)=0 by plugging in I1 and I2 I get I3 to be 5A.

Ah. Don't forget to apply KCL at the nodes where currents join/split. For the "I1 loop", for example, I3 joins the party at the rightmost node, so the current through the 8.00 Ohm resistor is actually I1 + I3. Label the net currents on wires around the nodes.