Voltage vs. Current Sources: Understanding the Differences

[Marcin H]

Homework Statement

Check picture

Homework Equations

V=IR

The Attempt at a Solution

I thought I had this right, but then I started thinking about it and I'm not sure anymore. My thought was since the voltage was changing and the current was constant, that the source was a voltage source. I kinda thought of it as you changing the voltage on a power supply or something keeping the current constant. Is that right? I feel like it's not.

 

[gneill]

Ideal independent supplies are generally specified to produce a single fixed value. A voltage supply produces a fixed voltage, while a current supply produces a fixed current. Variable power supplies are not the same thing, being more a version of a controlled source with other bells and whistles for convenience and safety.

An ideal voltage supply will produce a given fixed voltage no matter what. It will produce any amount of current required in order to accomplish this.

An ideal current supply will produce a given fixed current no matter what. It will produce any amount of voltage required in order to accomplish this.

 

[Marcin H]

Ideal independent supplies are generally specified to produce a single fixed value. A voltage supply produces a fixed voltage, while a current supply produces a fixed current. Variable power supplies are not the same thing, being more a version of a controlled source with other bells and whistles for convenience and safety.

An ideal voltage supply will produce a given fixed voltage no matter what. It will produce any amount of current required in order to accomplish this.

An ideal current supply will produce a given fixed current no matter what. It will produce any amount of voltage required in order to accomplish this.

Hmm. Ok. Thanks for clarifying!