When should i (on paper) pump a network with a source to determine values?

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chopficaro
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i understand that there are times when one should (on paper) pump a network of resistors, capacitors, and inductors with a 1 amp ac current source or a 1 volt ac voltage source in order to determine certain values within the system

however, i am having trouble determining when i need to use this tool, and i have a test on wednesday!
 
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chopficaro said:
i understand that there are times when one should (on paper) pump a network of resistors, capacitors, and inductors with a 1 amp ac current source or a 1 volt ac voltage source in order to determine certain values within the system

however, i am having trouble determining when i need to use this tool, and i have a test on wednesday!

I'm not sure. Generally with linear circuits, you will be able to solve for the currents and voltages using KCL or KVL simultaneous equations.

If there are non-linear devices (transistors, diodes, etc), you can use approximations to help you solve the circuit. If you need more accurate numbers, you can use simulation to help you understand how the circuit behaves. You can also use Monte-Carlo techniques in the simulations to help you understand how the circuit will function with components that have values that fall within their tolerances, but are not the exact value shown in the schematic...
 
you are correct not to be sure, i just found out that its just an extra step in the methods i have already been using :( sorry
believe it or not ur post helped me out, it made me think, wow, if the guys at physics forums don't know, then there must be something wrong with my question, sure enough there was