Electricity: voltage calculation in serial

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the voltage U in a circuit where a voltmeter reads 80V. The initial equation presented is 3RI + 4RI - U = -80, leading to confusion about creating a system of linear equations. Participants clarify that the current I can be used to derive additional equations, specifically noting that 2RI + 6RI = 80 simplifies to RI = 10. Ultimately, through substitution and solving, it is confirmed that U equals 150V. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding circuit relationships and using known values to solve for unknowns.
Epoch
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Homework Statement


Calculate the voltage U.
The voltmeter gives a value of 80V.
exercise.png


The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
3RI + 4RI - U = -80
How can I create a System of Linear equations if I have only one equation?
Do I miss something?

My answer sheet says U = 150V.
 
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What is 'R'? Is it a variable, or does it represent "resistor"? I guess it really doesn't matter. If it is a variable, the R's should cancel out. You know that the voltage across the 2 inside resistors is 80 V, so you should be able to come up with a second equation for that.
 
Epoch said:

Homework Statement


Calculate the voltage U.
The voltmeter gives a value of 80V.
View attachment 194684

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
3RI + 4RI - U = -80
How can I create a System of Linear equations if I have only one equation?
Do I miss something?

My answer sheet says U = 150V.

Let I be the current through the circuit. The V to the drop at 2R and 6R, so
2RI + 6RI = 80
8RI = 80
RI = 10

For the whole circuit,
U - 3RI - 2RI - 6RI - 4RI = 0

Try to take it from there!
 
D Nguyen said:
Let I be the current through the circuit. The V to the drop at 2R and 6R, so
2RI + 6RI = 80
8RI = 80
RI = 10

For the whole circuit,
U - 3RI - 2RI - 6RI - 4RI = 0

Try to take it from there!

Thanks, I got it.
 
D Nguyen said:
Let I be the current through the circuit. The V to the drop at 2R and 6R, so
2RI + 6RI = 80
8RI = 80
RI = 10

For the whole circuit,
U - 3RI - 2RI - 6RI - 4RI = 0

Try to take it from there!

RI = 10
U - 3RI - 2RI - 6RI - 4RI = 0
U - 3*10 - 2*10 - 6*10 - 4*10 = 0
U - 30 - 20 - 60 - 40 = 0
U - 150 =0
U = 150V

I found it, thanks for your help.
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
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