What are the equations for calculating loop currents in a circuit?

2 replies · 2K views · last reply
theuniverse
Messages
53
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the Loop currents that are shown in the network of the figure below.

Homework Equations


V=IR

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that I need to create 3 equations since there are three unknown currents and then solve for them so here is what I got.
1) [tex]10V-5I_1-2I_1=0[/tex]
2) [tex]10V-5I_3-3I_3-20V-4I_3+4I_2=0[/tex]
3) [tex]4I_2-4I_3+2I_2=0[/tex]

When I solve for the currents I get
[tex]I_1=1.43A[/tex]
[tex]I_2=-0.71A[/tex]
[tex]I_3=-1.07A[/tex]

While the correct answers should be 3.55A, -1.98A, -2.98A. I suspect that my equations are incorrect but I can't come up with any equations that give me the right answer or make any sense.

Thanks,
 
Attachments
  • Circuit schematic with three mesh currents I1, I2, I3 marked as loops; resistors 5 Ω, 3 Ω, 2 Ω (vertical), 4 Ω and 2 Ω, and voltage sources 10 V and 20 V.
    Circuit.jpg
    15 KB · Views: 486
As you 'traverse' each resistive component in a given loop, you need to take into account all the currents flowing through that component. So, for example, the voltage drop across your 5Ω resistor is (I1 + I3)*5Ω.
 
Yea that was the concept I couldn't fully understand... I get it now.
In case anyone else is interested here are the equations that actually work:
1) [tex]10V-5I_1-2I_1-5I_3=0[/tex]
2) [tex]10V -5I_1-5I_3-3I_3-20V-4I_3+4I_2=0[/tex]
3) [tex]4I_2-4I_3+2I_2=0[/tex]

gneill You've been a great help as usual! Thanks!