What is Thevenin's Theorem and How Can It Help Simplify Complex Circuits?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around Thevenin's Theorem and its application in simplifying complex circuits, specifically in the context of a homework problem involving voltage division and superposition. Participants seek clarification on specific steps in the solution process.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a homework question and expresses uncertainty about their solution process.
  • Another participant explains that the upper 2k ohm resistor does not carry current, suggesting it can be replaced by a short circuit, which leads to the conclusion that Voc is the voltage across the 12k ohm resistor.
  • The original poster later confirms understanding after receiving the explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to reach an understanding regarding the role of the 2k ohm resistor and the application of superposition, but the initial confusion about the solution steps indicates that some aspects of the discussion remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on the specific definitions of components in the circuit and the assumptions made regarding the behavior of the resistors in the circuit.

Who May Find This Useful

Students seeking assistance with circuit analysis, particularly those learning about Thevenin's Theorem and its application in solving circuit problems.

daniel.
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



[PLAIN]http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2408/screenshot20101028at112.png

Hi,

I'm new to these forums, so hopefully this is the right place to post this question. I need some help in the question above. I'm not obtaining the right answer for this question and I'm not too sure whether my working out is correct as there there are no worked solutions for this question. If anyone can provide me some steps to solve this question, it will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Daniel
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Okay, fortunately I've found the worked solutions for this question in my portal. But I still do not understand this part of the solution:

[PLAIN]http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/6680/screenshot20101028at115.png

I know that we are using superposition, but I do not understand how they got the values for the voltage division. Why is the 12k Ohm resistor used in the numerator? Like why does the voltage drop across the 12k ohm resistor equate to Voc'? And in the denominator, which 2k ohm resistor are they referring to? And why is the other 2k ohm ignored?

Thanks in advance
 
Last edited by a moderator:
There is no current through the upper 2k resistor, so no voltage drop. You can substitute it by a short circuit. In this way Voc is the voltage across the 12k resistor.
 
Thanks. Got it now.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
7K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K