Which way is the current flowing?

[Mesmer]

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http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/2218/thisoneuf5.th.jpg

I'm having real difficulty picturing how the current is flowing in this circuit with the given solution.

From the 5v source into node v_2 is the current flowing from left to
right into this node?

These are the nodal equations that I would use to solve this problem, however they are wrong. Why?

At node two I would have the current flowing from left to right from the source into this node. I would have the 6mA flowing into this node. Finally I would have a current flowing out of this node from left to right. So I have 2 currents entering this node and one leaving

\frac{V_2-5}{200} + 6mA = \frac{V_0-V_2}{6000}


at node two

\frac{V_0-V_2}{6000} = \frac{V_0-(-6)}{3000}

 

[antoker]

Before attempting to solve this kind of circuits, you should probably start by replacing voltage sources with norton equivalents. Basically you're performing transformation from voltage sources -> current sources & when you're done you'll immediately see that this problem is so easy that it can be solved by using only current divider rule

P.S Voltage source -> current source conversion

V_{1} = I_{1}\cdot R
I_{1} = \frac{V_{1}}{R}BTW. Another method is to apply superposition theorem to each source and then compute the result. Good Luck!

 

[Mesmer]

Ok, but how can I solve it this way?

 

[antoker]

Ok, but how can I solve it this way?

I just told you! ;) You're just modifying circuit to make it easier for you to solve it. Looks like you're not familiar with Norton theorem. Now, take a look at 5V source together with 2k\Omega resistance. Replace the voltage source with a current source where current will have the magnitude equal to \frac{5}{2k\Omega} and a resistor in parallel with that source with resistance equal to 2k\Omega. Do the same thing for 6V source together with 3k\Omega resistance, redraw the circuit and solve for voltages/currents that you need to obtain.

 

[Mesmer]

I understand what you are saying,but I have to solve it using nodal analysis. I just want to know which way the currents are flowing into and out of the nodes.Yes it can be done how you are suggesting and it makes the problem much simpler, but that is not the point of this exercise for me.

 

[antoker]

Ok, first of all, there is only one "real" node here and it lies between 6mA source 2k\Omega and 6k\Omega. So you start by writing the nodal loop equation at this point:

Vk is node voltage so (I'm assuming that the current that flows into the node has negative sign, and current flowing out the node has positive sign):

\underbrace{\frac{Vk-5}{2k\Omega}}_{sign determines the direction}-6mA+\underbrace{\frac{Vk+6}{9k\Omega}}_{sign determines the direction} = 0
solving this equation will yield something about 12.8 V, knowing that every other current can be found.

 

[Mesmer]

This is where my confusion lies. In your equation the 6mA is leaving the node (k) and the other currents are entering (+ entering, - leaving). why is this?

If I can just get past this hole in my thinking I'll be ok I think

 

[antoker]

This is where my confusion lies. In your equation the 6mA is leaving the node (k) and the other currents are entering (+ entering, - leaving). why is this?
If I can just get past this hole in my thinking I'll be ok I think

As I've mentioned before, I'm using the following strategy when dialing with nodal analysis:

1. Current entering the node has negative sign! In this situation the 6mA source points towards the node, so the sign is negative.
2. I do not no anything about the currents to the left and right of the node, so i will let Vk determine the direction.
3. I'm adding up everything, according to Kirchoff's rule that says sum of currents at the node is equal to zero.

 

[Mesmer]

You have been very helpful. I appreciate your time and effort.

 

[antoker]

You have been very helpful. I appreciate your time and effort.

no problem ;)