What is the correct equation for calculating the currents in this circuit?

  • Thread starter Thread starter roam
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Circuit Currents
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Kirchhoff's rules to determine the currents I1, I2, and I3 in a given circuit. Participants are analyzing the equations derived from Kirchhoff's junction and loop laws based on a circuit diagram.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster presents a set of equations derived from Kirchhoff's laws but questions the validity of their calculations after arriving at what they believe to be incorrect current values. Other participants point out potential errors in the equations, particularly focusing on the equation involving I2 and I3.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning the correctness of the equations set up for the circuit analysis. There is a focus on verifying the assumptions made regarding the direction of current and the application of Kirchhoff's rules. Some guidance is offered regarding the need to reassess the equations, but no consensus has been reached on the correct formulation.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster may have misapplied the signs in their equations, particularly in relation to the loop direction. The discussion also highlights that the circuit's configuration and the assigned current directions are critical to the analysis.

roam
Messages
1,265
Reaction score
12

Homework Statement



Use Kirchhoff's rules to find the currents I1, I2 and I3 shown in the circuit below:

[PLAIN]http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/3640/13608736.gif

The Attempt at a Solution



Kirchhoff's junction law gives: I1+I2-I3=0

I have calculated the voltage rise/drop in the left inner loop containing the 10-V battery:

10-10I1+20I2=0

Also in the right inner loop containing the 30-V battery:

30-20I2-20I3=0

So we have the 3 equations:

I1+I2-I3=0
-10I1+20I2=-10
-20I2-20I3=-30

We can pust this in a matrix to solve for the three currents:

[tex]\begin{pmatrix}1&1&-1&0\\-10&20&0&-10\\0&-20&-20&-30\end{pmatrix}[/tex]

which row reduces to

[tex]\begin{pmatrix}1&0&0&2.2\\0&1&0&-0.3\\0&0&1&1.8\end{pmatrix}[/tex]

So I1= 2.2, I2=-0.3 and I3=1.8, but this is wrong. The correct answer must be I1=4, I2=1.5, I3=5.5 Amps.

So, what's wrong with my calculations? :confused:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
-20I2-20I3=-30

This equation is wrong. Check it.
 
rl.bhat said:
-20I2-20I3=-30

This equation is wrong. Check it.

So what is the correct equation for that? I have checked it, if the direction assigned to the loop is clockwise, we have -20I2-20I3+30=0. What's the problem? :confused:
 
roam said:
So what is the correct equation for that? I have checked it, if the direction assigned to the loop is clockwise, we have -20I2-20I3+30=0. What's the problem? :confused:

for I3 there is no resistance for fall of potential.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K