- #1
influx
- 164
- 2
How can one spot a node?
I know that the blue dots are nodes but why isn't the red dot a node?
Thanks
Understanding Nodes: Identifying and Differentiating Them
- Thread starter influx
- Start date
In summary: In the first circuit, the blue node with the (+) attached is equivalent to the ground. The red node with the (-) attached is equivalent to the positive voltage source. The two resistors (1 and 3 Ohms) comprise a single parallel branch between nodes R1 and R2. Those resistors could easily be combined into a single 2.2 Ohm resistor and one could proceed to find the potentials of node R1 and R2 without difficulty (and with one less node equation).
How can one spot a node?
I know that the blue dots are nodes but why isn't the red dot a node?
Thanks
- #2
.Scott
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 3,525
- 1,637
All three dots are nodes.
- #3
- 19,101
- 14,774
Cool it with the massive fonts. It's SCREAMING and is not necessary.
A node is just any place where two or more elements come together. As scott said, all three colored dots are nodes, and I would add that the ground is a node as well.
A node is just any place where two or more elements come together. As scott said, all three colored dots are nodes, and I would add that the ground is a node as well.
- #4
influx
- 164
- 2
phinds said:
.Scott said:
I didn't create the image, its just a screen shot from my university lectures. I apologise.
When you say ''element'' do you just mean three ''branches'' of the circuit?
If so, why is there a node at the place of the red dot in the image below?
Thanks!
- #5
SteamKing
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 12,811
- 1,673
A node, in this context, is any point in the circuit at which you want to find the current, voltage, or some other property.
Topologically, in the second circuit, the red node with the (-) attached is equivalent to the ground.
Topologically, in the second circuit, the red node with the (-) attached is equivalent to the ground.
- #6
gneill
Mentor
- 20,989
- 2,934
Circuit elements (or components) are joined together by wires. Where wires from components connect there is a node. Every wire in the circuit is part of some node.
An "element" just means a circuit component, such as a voltage source, current source, resistor, capacitor, or inductor. You can define a node any place two or more such elements join. Sometimes it is convenient to define nodes in the middle of branches because you happen to be interested in finding the potential there. Otherwise such nodes are considered to be "non-essential" nodes, and aren't required for finding the potentials at other "essential" nodes.
The "V" node in the second circuit is an example of a non-essential node. The two resistors (2 and 6 Ohms) comprise a single series branch between nodes V1 and V2. Those resistors could easily be combined into a single 8 Ohm resistor and one could proceed to find the potentials of node V1 and V2 without difficulty (and with one less node equation). The node V was introduced, apparently, because it was desired to find the potential there.
An "element" just means a circuit component, such as a voltage source, current source, resistor, capacitor, or inductor. You can define a node any place two or more such elements join. Sometimes it is convenient to define nodes in the middle of branches because you happen to be interested in finding the potential there. Otherwise such nodes are considered to be "non-essential" nodes, and aren't required for finding the potentials at other "essential" nodes.
The "V" node in the second circuit is an example of a non-essential node. The two resistors (2 and 6 Ohms) comprise a single series branch between nodes V1 and V2. Those resistors could easily be combined into a single 8 Ohm resistor and one could proceed to find the potentials of node V1 and V2 without difficulty (and with one less node equation). The node V was introduced, apparently, because it was desired to find the potential there.
FAQ: Understanding Nodes: Identifying and Differentiating Them
What is a node in computer science?
A node in computer science is a basic unit of data in a data structure, such as a linked list, tree, or graph. It contains information and links to other nodes, allowing for the organization and manipulation of data.
What is the purpose of a node?
The purpose of a node is to store data and provide connections to other nodes in a data structure. This allows for efficient manipulation and organization of data, making it easier for computers to process and retrieve information.
How is a node different from a vertex?
A node and a vertex are often used interchangeably, but in some contexts, a vertex is used to refer specifically to a point in a graph, while a node can refer to any basic unit of data in a data structure.
Can a node exist without a data structure?
Technically, a node can exist without a data structure, but it would not serve much purpose. The purpose of a node is to be part of a larger structure, providing connections and organization for data.
What are some common operations performed on nodes?
Some common operations performed on nodes include inserting new nodes, deleting existing nodes, searching for specific nodes, and traversing through a data structure to access or modify data.
Similar threads
Engineering
How do I find Vth with the node voltage method?
Engineering
Circuit analysis on a supernode