How do I find the current in this circuit?

In summary, to solve this problem, we can use Kirchhoff's Current Law and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law to set up two equations and solve for the currents I1 and I2. Alternatively, we can use nodal analysis and set up a KCL equation for node A, and solve for the voltage at node A. Both methods will give us the values for I1 and I2, and we can then use KCL again to find the current I3.
  • #1
clurt
28
0
< Moderator Note -- thread moved from the EE forum to the Homework Help forums >

Please view the attached.

The answers are:
i1 0.1429
i2 0.4286
i3 0.2857

So how do I work this out? I assume you use kirchhoffs current law, can someone show me the step? Thanks :)
 

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  • #2
For loop I we can write this KVL
10V - I1*R1 - (I1 + I2)*R3 = 0
And for loop II
20V - I2*R2 - (I2 + I1)*R3 = 0

Solve this for I1 and I2. And from KCL I3 = I1 + I1

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=10 - I_1*10 - (I_1 + I_2)*40 = 0 , 20 - I_2*20 - (I_2 + I_1)*40 = 0 solve I_1 and I_2

Or we can use nodal analysis.
For node A we can write a KCL
I1 + I2 = I3

I1 = (10V - VA)/R1
I2 = (20V - VA)/R2
I3 = VA/R3

And solve for VA voltage.
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=(10 - a)/10 + (20 - a)/20 = a/40
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Jony130 said:
For loop I we can write this KVL
10V - I1*R1 - (I1 + I2)*R3 = 0
And for loop II
20V - I2*R2 - (I2 + I1)*R3 = 0

Solve this for I1 and I2. And from KCL I3 = I1 + I1

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=10 - I_1*10 - (I_1 + I_2)*40 = 0 , 20 - I_2*20 - (I_2 + I_1)*40 = 0 solve I_1 and I_2

Or we can use nodal analysis.
For node A we can write a KCL
I1 + I2 = I3

I1 = (10V - VA)/R1
I2 = (20V - VA)/R2
I3 = VA/R3

And solve for VA voltage.
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=(10 - a)/10 + (20 - a)/20 = a/40
thanks mate
 

FAQ: How do I find the current in this circuit?

How do I calculate the current in a circuit?

The current in a circuit can be calculated using Ohm's Law, which states that current (I) is equal to voltage (V) divided by resistance (R). So, the formula for finding current is I = V/R.

What is the unit of measurement for current?

The unit of measurement for current is ampere (A), which is commonly referred to as "amps."

Do I need to consider the direction of the current in a circuit?

Yes, the direction of the current in a circuit is important to consider. It is typically represented by an arrow pointing in the direction of the flow of positive charge. However, in most cases, the direction of the current does not affect the calculation of its value.

How does the current change in a series circuit?

In a series circuit, the current remains the same at all points. This is because there is only one path for the current to flow through, and the total resistance of the circuit is equal to the sum of individual resistances.

What factors affect the current in a circuit?

The current in a circuit is affected by the voltage of the power source, the resistance of the components in the circuit, and the circuit's configuration (series or parallel). Temperature can also affect the current, as higher temperatures can increase the resistance of the circuit.

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