Wheastone Bridge Homework: Compute i1 and i2

  • Thread starter Thread starter kexanie
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Bridge
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the currents i1 and i2 in a Wheastone Bridge circuit, where R3 = R4 = 6Ω and R5 = R6 = 12Ω. The solution confirms that i2 equals 0 and i1 is calculated as 20/9 A based on the ratio of resistances. A key question raised is the non-equivalence of the circuit in Figure b) compared to Figure a), despite Figure a) being a Wheastone Bridge. The analysis emphasizes the application of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) and Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) to understand the current distribution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Wheastone Bridge configurations
  • Familiarity with Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
  • Knowledge of Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)
  • Basic circuit analysis techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of Nodal Analysis in circuit theory
  • Explore advanced applications of Wheastone Bridges in sensor technology
  • Learn about the differences between series and parallel circuits
  • Investigate the implications of non-ideal components in circuit analysis
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone studying circuit analysis and the behavior of resistive networks.

kexanie
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Compute i1 and i2 in Figure a). R3 = R4 = 6Ω, and R5 = R6 = 12Ω.

Homework Equations



KVL and KCL

The Attempt at a Solution



Since R3 / R5 = R4 / R6 , it's a Wheastone Bridge and i2 = 0, and i1 = [itex]\frac{20}{9}[/itex] A.

But my question is, why circuit in Figure b) is not equivalent to circuit in Figure a) when a) is a Wheastone Bridge?
 

Attachments

  • Diagram1.png
    Diagram1.png
    13.1 KB · Views: 549
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
kexanie said:

Homework Statement


Compute i1 and i2 in Figure a). R3 = R4 = 6Ω, and R5 = R6 = 12Ω.

Homework Equations



KVL and KCL

The Attempt at a Solution



Since R3 / R5 = R4 / R6 , it's a Wheastone Bridge and i2 = 0, and i1 = [itex]\frac{20}{9}[/itex] A.

But my question is, why circuit in Figure b) is not equivalent to circuit in Figure a) when a) is a Wheastone Bridge?


The current through the vertical wire between the two pairs of parallel resistances is not equal to I2. Consider the Nodal Law. What is I2 in a) and what is it in b). Are they identical?

ehild
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K