Math Problem Statement

Use the Principle of Superposition to determine the absolute value of total current, in milliamperes, through R1 in the circuit below, given:

E1 = 39 V, E2 = 33 V, and R1 = 17 Ω

Solution

The Principle of Superposition states that in a linear circuit with multiple independent sources, the total current through an element is the algebraic sum of the currents caused by each source acting alone, with all other sources replaced by their internal impedances.

Step 1: Understanding the Circuit Setup

We have:

  • Voltage sources: E1=39VE_1 = 39V and E2=33VE_2 = 33V
  • Resistor: R1=17ΩR_1 = 17\Omega

To find the total current through R1R_1, we consider each voltage source separately:

Step 2: Effect of E1E_1 Alone

When considering E1E_1 alone:

  • Replace E2E_2 with a short circuit (since it's an ideal voltage source).
  • The current caused by E1E_1 is:

I1=E1R1=39V17Ω2.2941AI_1 = \frac{E_1}{R_1} = \frac{39V}{17\Omega} \approx 2.2941 A

Step 3: Effect of E2E_2 Alone

When considering E2E_2 alone:

  • Replace E1E_1 with a short circuit.
  • The current caused by E2E_2 is:

I2=E2R1=33V17Ω1.9412AI_2 = \frac{E_2}{R_1} = \frac{33V}{17\Omega} \approx 1.9412 A

Step 4: Calculate the Total Current

Since the problem does not specify the direction of the sources explicitly, let's assume they aid each other (both currents flow in the same direction):

Itotal=I1+I2=2.2941+1.9412=4.2353AI_{\text{total}} = I_1 + I_2 = 2.2941 + 1.9412 = 4.2353 A

Step 5: Convert to Milliamperes

Since 1A=1000mA1A = 1000mA,

Itotal=4.2353×1000=4235.3 mAI_{\text{total}} = 4.2353 \times 1000 = 4235.3 \text{ mA}

Final Answer

4235.3 mA\boxed{4235.3 \text{ mA}}


Do you want a verification of source directions or a circuit diagram reference?

Related Questions

  1. How does the Principle of Superposition apply to AC circuits?
  2. What happens if the voltage sources are opposing each other?
  3. How would the solution change if there were additional resistors?
  4. How do you handle superposition when dealing with dependent sources?
  5. What is the impact of internal resistance of voltage sources in this analysis?

Tip

Always double-check source polarity when using superposition to ensure correct algebraic summation of currents or voltages.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Electric Circuits
Ohm's Law
Superposition Principle

Formulas

I = E / R
I_total = I_1 + I_2

Theorems

Principle of Superposition

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12