What is the Thévenin equivalent of this circuit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Thévenin equivalent of a given circuit, focusing on the methods for simplifying the circuit and determining the equivalent resistance and voltage. Participants engage in a homework-related inquiry, sharing their approaches and interpretations of circuit analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about their approach to finding the Thévenin equivalent, stating that their textbook indicates they are incorrect.
  • Another participant agrees with the first, suggesting they arrived at the same resistance value (1.5 Ω) and proposes a different diagram for clarity.
  • A participant clarifies that a Thévenin equivalent consists of both a voltage source and a series resistance, prompting a question about the voltage in the original circuit.
  • There is a discussion about the role of the current source in the circuit, with one participant suggesting it should be treated as an open circuit to find resistance, while another counters that the current source is part of the circuit and should be considered in the analysis.
  • Participants discuss the configuration of the circuit, noting that it may resemble a bridge arrangement but can still be analyzed as a collection of resistors for the purpose of finding the Thévenin equivalent.
  • One participant encourages the original poster to visualize the circuit as a classic Thévenin setup, considering the current and voltage at the terminals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the treatment of the current source and the method for finding the Thévenin equivalent. There is no consensus on the correct approach, and multiple interpretations of the circuit analysis exist.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various methods for simplifying circuits and the importance of understanding the role of different components, but the discussion does not resolve the specific mathematical steps or assumptions involved in the analysis.

maximade
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Homework Statement


Problem located in attachment.

Homework Equations


Parallel, series and wheatstone bridge equations for resistors

The Attempt at a Solution


Converted the circuit to look less confusing. Work shown in other attachment.
I am simply using the equations relating to simplifying circuits to get R total or th, but the book I am using is telling I am wrong. Thoughts?

Thanks.
 

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hi maximade! :smile:

hmm … i get the same as you (1.5 Ω) :confused:

anyone else? :smile:​

btw, it might be easier if you started with a different diagram …

put it all inside a triangle with edges 3 3 and ab, and you should see a symmetry that makes it a lot easier :wink:
 
maximade said:
I am simply using the equations relating to simplifying circuits to get R total or th, but the book I am using is telling I am wrong.
It's a talking book? :-p

I'd say you're half right. A Thévenin equivalent involves a voltage source together with a series resistance. So, what's your voltage?
 
Last edited:
Yes, it is a talking book haha. (Don't know how to do that quote thing you did)

Correct me if I am wrong but because the current source is the load, I thought I just turn it into an open circuit then solve for resistance from there.

I could just be not understand the whole process.

Thoughts?
 
maximade said:
Yes, it is a talking book haha. (Don't know how to do that quote thing you did)
Use the "Quote" button on the post in question to start your reply with that post's text included as a quote.

Correct me if I am wrong but because the current source is the load, I thought I just turn it into an open circuit then solve for resistance from there.
Ah, but the current source is not the load; it's part of the circuit. It just happens to lie across the output nodes. If you think about the network of resistors "behind" it being reduced to a single resistor, then what would the current source and resistor look like (in terms of circuits you might be familiar with)?
 
maximade said:
Correct me if I am wrong but because the current source is the load, I thought I just turn it into an open circuit then solve for resistance from there.
It may look like a bridge arrangement, but no one says it can't be used in an exercise where you just need a jumble of resistors. :smile:

The question asks that you find the Thévenin equivalent of the circuit as it appears at terminals (a,b). The source is, in this question, part of that circuit. At terminals (a,b) you will see a source feeding into a resistance. You have correctly determined the equivalent single resistance, now imagine that source connected across that resistance. How much current will be flowing? What voltage will be measured at the terminals (a,b)?

Describe what you have so that it fits the classic Thévenin circuit.
 

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