Where Did I Go Wrong in Nodal Analysis for ix and iy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving nodal analysis in circuit theory, specifically focusing on finding the currents ix and iy. Participants are analyzing their equations and calculations related to two nodes in a circuit, attempting to identify errors in their approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their equations for two nodes but questions the correctness of their results, suspecting a conceptual mistake.
  • Another participant identifies a potential sign error in the equations for node 2, suggesting it should start with +6 instead of -6.
  • A different participant argues that their assumption about the direction of current at node 1 justifies the use of -3 in their equation for node 1.
  • One participant points out a potential error in the resistance value used in the equation for node 1, suggesting it should be 0.1 ohms instead of 0.5 ohms.
  • Another participant expresses confusion over the calculations involving conductance and decimals, indicating ongoing difficulties in reaching the correct answers.
  • A later reply questions the formulation of V2 in the equations, suggesting a possible correction to the expression used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the equations and assumptions made in the nodal analysis. There is no consensus on the errors identified, and multiple competing interpretations of the circuit and calculations remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with assumptions about current directions and resistance values, which may not be universally agreed upon. There are unresolved mathematical steps and potential misinterpretations of the circuit diagram that contribute to the confusion.

J.live
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Basic Circuit - Nodal Analysis

Homework Statement




I am trying to find ix and iy.

Here is the figure

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=x2mr93&s=7




The Attempt at a Solution



Node 1

-3 + V1/0.2 + (V1-V2/0.5) = 0

-.06 + 0.1V1 +0.2V1 - 0.2V2 =0

-.06 + 0.3V1 -0.2V2 = 0


Node 2

-6 +( V2 - V1/0.1) + V2/0.5=0

-0.3 + 0.5V2 - 0.5V2 + V2/0.5=0

0.6V2 = 0.5V1 +0.3

V2= 0.5V1 + 0.3 / 0.6


Substituting V2 in V1

0.3V1 - 0.2( (0.5V1 + 0.3 )/ 0.6)=0

.14 V1 =.159

V1 = 1.13


Substituting V1 back in V2

V2 = 0.5(1.13 + 0.3)/ 0.6 = 1.19 V

ix = 1.19-1.13 / .2 = .3 ?

iy = V2 / R = 1.19/1 = 1.19 ?


P.S The answers are iy = -1.5 ix = 1.5.
Where exactly am I going wrong with this? I don't think I missed any variables , etc.Is there a conceptual mistake ?Please help me out here. Thanks.
 
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A sign error: your equation for node 1 is correct, but the one for node 2 should be +6 at the start, not -6. (look at the direction of the current source in the circuit).
 
But I assumed the direction of current entering node 1 to be - so + 3 will become -3. Wouldn't that make the current leaving node 2 to be + so -6 stayed the same?
 
Oh, sorry - I didn't see that it says -6A on the diagram, I thought it was 6A.

I think I've seen an error though - in the equation for node 1, 0.5 should be 0.1 I think? since two 0.2 ohm resistors in parallel give a resistance of 0.1 ohm between nodes 1 and 2.
 
Yeah .2 resitors in parallel give .1.I think decimals keep messing me up. I tried using conductance to avoid decimals. Still going wrong somewhere.


Node1

-3+ 5v1 + 10 v1 -10 v1=0

V1 = 10v2 + 3/ 15

Substituting v1 in Node 2

-6 + 2v2 + 10 ( v2 - v1) =0

-6 + 12v2- 10( 10v2 + 3 / 15)=0

5.4v2= 9

V2= 1.6Substituting v2 in v1

V1= 10(1.6) + 3 / 15
= 1.3
ix =( v2-v1)* 5 = 1.5 A

iy = V2*1 = 1.6

Even with conductance I am not getting the right answer for one of the parts. Don't know what's going on.
 
hmm. . . I'm not sure about this. But shouldn't ur V2 in node 2 be "V2= 0.5V1/0.6 + 0.3 / 0.6" instead of "V2= 0.5V1 + 0.3 / 0.6" O.O correct?
 

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