Where Did I Go Wrong in Power Calculation for Circuit Homework?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem related to power calculations in a circuit, focusing on the application of the passive sign convention and the identification of power sources and sinks. Participants are attempting to reconcile their calculations with expected results.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their approach using the passive convention, applying P = vi and P = -vi based on current flow direction, but struggles to match the expected power values.
  • Another participant suggests flipping the directions of currents and voltages to ensure all values are positive, proposing a method to simplify the analysis.
  • A participant reports modifying the polarities and current directions as suggested but questions the classification of elements as sources or sinks based on their modified diagram.
  • There is a request for clarification regarding the current flowing through a specific element, indicating uncertainty in the analysis.
  • A later response indicates that the participant initially misunderstood the classification of sourcing and sinking elements, suggesting a potential error in the earlier guidance received.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of circuit elements as sources or sinks, with some asserting there are more sourcing elements than initially suggested. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct identification of these elements.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the correct approach to identifying power sources and sinks, and there are indications of confusion regarding the application of the passive sign convention. The discussion includes corrections and refinements of earlier claims without establishing a definitive resolution.

harrisiqbal
Messages
14
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



001453a8ba9edc1b4b0e34f120b7ae262g.jpg



vT = 10.3[V], vW = -7.6[V], vX = -8.4[V], vY = -9.5[V], vZ = 1.9[V]
iM = 3.3[mA], iN = 24.1[mA], iP = 15.2[mA], iQ = -18.5[mA], iR = 5.6[mA], iS = -8.9[mA]

Homework Equations



P = vi or P = -vi

mA = miliamps

The Attempt at a Solution


Well I used the passive convention and so when the current flow was going from the positive terminals to the negative I used P = vi. And when current flow was going from the negative terminal to the positive I used P = -vi.

I can't seem to get the right answer..

Apparently the right answer is

Summation of Power Delivered = 315.xx [mW]
Summation of Power Absorbed = 315.xx [mW]

I am not getting these answers when I add up my positive and negative power values...

Could someone please explain how I would work my way around the circuit schematic to solve this problem and if possible the solution as well

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
First thing I did was flip the directions of any currents and voltages so that they're all positive. For example, the voltage across A would be +8.4 V with the plus sign on the right end and the minus sign on the left end. Similarly, I'd flip the direction of the current through B so that it flows to the right and is equal to +8.9 mA. That'll get rid of the problem of trying to keep track of all the signs.

After you do that, you should find only two elements are sources, where the current flows from lower potential to higher potential. The rest are sinks, where current flows from higher potential to lower potential.
 
I did what you asked Vela. I flipped the Polarities of the Voltages that were given negative values and I switched the direction of current which was given negative values.

Now I have another problem.

You said that Developing Elements are where current goes from - >> + and Absorbing Element are ones where current goes vice versa.

In my modified diagram,

iR goes from negative to positive
iS goes from negative into positive
iQ goes from negative to positive
iP goes from negative to positive
iM goes from negative [ Vw] to positive

So that would mean that there are 5 sourcing elements and 1 sink element. The sink element being the F element with vT & incoming current iN. Going from Positive to Negative.

What am I doing wrong?

Help please +(
 
Actually I need one more thing clarified. Which current is flowing through Element C?
 
Ignore my last two responses.

I did get the right answer but I have an issue with a statement you made.

You said that, "find only two elements are sources, where the current flows from lower potential to higher potential. The rest are sinks, where current flows from higher potential to lower potential".

But when I modified the polarities and current directions like you said. You get 4 sourcing Elements where current is going through a voltage rise. - >> +

And 2 sinking elements where current is going through a voltage drop. + >> -

Did you perhaps make a mistake? Or am I missing something?
 
I just rechecked a few elements, and it looks like I indeed got it backwards.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
6K