Using the Loop rule to find potential Difference

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the potential difference between two points, a and b, in a circuit using the loop rule. The context involves applying Kirchhoff's voltage law and understanding current flow in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion about current flow and the application of the loop rule, questioning how to approach the problem given the circuit's configuration.
  • Some participants suggest studying worked examples to clarify the rules of voltage drops around a loop.
  • There is a discussion about whether to consider the current direction when calculating potential differences and how to handle the known current in the circuit.
  • Participants explore the implications of using a single known current and whether it can be applied consistently throughout the circuit.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing thoughts on the application of the loop rule and the implications of the known current. There are various interpretations of how to proceed, and while some guidance has been offered, no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the setup of the circuit and the implications of the given values, including the potential for multiple current paths and the need for further information to resolve uncertainties.

MasterVivi
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Homework Statement



Find the potential difference between points a and b.

Picture of Circuit involved.
IxhIf.jpg



Homework Equations



V=IR
ΔV=Vb-Va

The Attempt at a Solution



Pretty much completely lost, due to the only one current shown I'm not sure which way the current flows through the rest of the circuit so I do not know how to go about the loop rule.
It started off kinda like

-I1(30Ω)=2.118 V

But I know that cannot be correct cause if you left from the 24V battery and went down you'd have something about 23.3V across there, like I said, completely lost, any help would be great.
 
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This is useful, in a case like mine you wouldn't want multiple I notations of current cause then your introducing variables you don't know right?
should I go opposite the current from b→a?
like
ΔV=-(0.0706A)(10Ω)+12V=12.706V

Since that is the only value of I given?
 
Using the one know current, the current would be the same at a correct?
If so you couls just do
Va-Vb=-24V+(I)(10)
=>-24+(0.0706)(10)=-23.294

Which implies
Vb-Va=+23.294V

Or is this still the wrong path?
Do I need to use loop rules and find the unknown values of the current when it splits?
 

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