Electric Circuits Problem Solver

     INDEX

CHAPTER 1

RESISTIVE CIRCUITS

VOLTAGE, CURRENT, & POWER RELATIONSHIPS

• PROBLEM 1-1

With reference to Fig. 1, find v if;

             and i = – 2.5A

(b)    R = 40Ω and the resistor absorbs 250W.

(c)    i = 2.5A and the resistor absorbs 500W.

Solution :     (a)    Apply Ohm’s Law.

(b)  We know that p = vi since v = iR;

(1)

Solving for v

Since R absorbs power, v = +100v .

(c)  Solving for R in equation (1)

Using Ohm’s Law;

v = iR = 2.5(80) = 200V.

• PROBLEM 1-2

Determine the power being supplied by the sources shown in Fig. 1a, b, and c.

Solution :     In order for a voltage source to deliver power, current must flow out of the positive terminal. For a current source to deliver power, there must be a positive potential at the terminal where current (positive current) flows out.

a)  Current flows out of the positive terminal, therefore p = vi, (3) (6) = 18 W.

b)  Current flows out the negative terminal, therefore the current source absorbs power or delivers negative power.

p = vi, (5) (–4) = –20 W.

c)  Here, a negative current flows out the positive terminal, therefore

p = vi, (7) (–3) = –21 W.

• PROBLEM 1-3

Figure 1 shows the voltage waveform, Vr(t), observed across the terminals of a resistor. Calculate the current, i(t), through a resistor of: (a) 1 ohm; (b) 2 ohms; (c) ∞ ohms.

Solution:     We apply Ohm’s Law to find the current by dividing VR(t) by the resistance values given.

We ignore the discontinuites at t = 1, 2, 3 etc. and observe that the voltage is constant between certain time values. We observe that there are only two values of interest, + 10V and –10 V.

Fig. 2. shows the results .

• PROBLEM 1-4

The v–i relation of a nonlinear resistor is given by

Is this resistor voltage-controlled? Current-controlled?

Solution:     If we solve the above v–i relation for i (t) in terms of v (t) we obtain

It is seen that a single value of v(t) will not produce a single value of i(t). However, a single value of i(t) will produce a single value of v(t). Thus the resistor is current controlled.

• PROBLEM 1-5

The output of a certain independent current source is a function of temperature T(°K) , is = 10–6T²–6x10–4T+0.1 A. (a)  At what temperature in the range 250 ≤ T ≤ 320°K is is a maximum? (b) At a constant temperature of 320°K, how much charge can the source deliver in 10 minutes?

Solution:     (a)   The function is is a parabolic function with a minimum at 300°K; see Fig. 1.

the maximum value for the range 250° ≤ T ≤ 320°K would be 250°K.

(b) If is remains constant at 320°K,

is = .0104 A; the charge delivered would be

since is is not a function of time and assuming s

q(o–) = 0.

• PROBLEM 1-6

A non-linear resistor is connected in series with a 5–V source and a linear 2Ω resistor. Use the v–i characteristics of the non-linear resistor in Fig. 1 to find the current through the circuit.

Solution:     Fig. 2 shows the circuit described in this example.

Examining the v–i characteristics for the non-linear resistor, notice that the slope of the curve at any point yields the resistor’s conductance,

This value can be either positive or negative. Since each value of voltage gives only a single resistance value, the resistor is voltage controlled. It is not current controlled since certain values of current give more than one value of resistance.

In order to find the current in the circuit we must find the v-i characteristics for the voltage source-linear resistor combination shown in Fig. 3.

To do this write the equation

v = 5 – 2i.

Note that in a v–i plot this is a straight line with v = 5V when i = 0 and i = 2.5A when v = 0. Fig. 4 shows the v–i characteristics of the voltage source-linear resistor combination.

Since the v and i for the voltage source-linear resistor combination is the same as that for the non-linear resistor, one can find the points of operation for the nonlinear resistor by overlapping their v–i characteristics as shown in Fig. 5.

Notice the 3– points of intersection from which we obtain the three possible currents 2.2A,1.9A, and 0.3A.

• PROBLEM 1-7

The current through a resistor of 2Ω is given by

i(t) = cos² πt.

Find the energy dissipated in the resistor from t0 = 0 to t1 = 5 sec.

Solution:     Energy is defined as

where p(t) is the power dissipation. In this example, p(t) = [ i (t) ]²R = 2 cos⁴ πt. Hence,

In order to evaluate the above integral, it is necessary to write cos⁴ πt in terms of simpler and more easily integratable components.

Using the trigonometric identity ,

we find that we can express

Evaluating the above integral

E(0,5) = 3.75 J

ENERGY

• PROBLEM 1-8

A linear time-invariant resistor of 4 Ω has a current through it given by i(t) = sin πt. If E(0) = 0, find the energy dissipated in the resistor at t = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 sec.

Solution:          We are asked to find the energy, E(t), dissipated in a 4 Ω resistor at t = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6s given i(t) = sin πt. Since E(t) is defined as

p (t) = [i (t) ] ² R

Hence,

similarly

E(2) = 4 J

E(3) = 6 J

E(4) = 8 J

E(5) = 10 J

E(6) = 12 J

• PROBLEM 1-9

Assume the waveform in Fig. 1 represents a voltage across a 10Ω resistor. Find the energy delivered to the resistor over the time intervals (a) (0, 1), (b) (0, 2); and (c) (0, 5) seconds.

Solution:     Energy is defined as

where p(t) is the power dissipation, v (t) i (t). For a resistor ,

Hence

(a) For the interval [0, 1];

vR(t) = t;      0 ≤ t < 1

(b) For the interval [0, 2] seconds

E[0, 2] = E[0, 1] + E [1, 2]

(c)  For the interval [0, 5] seconds

VR(t) = t           0 ≤ t < 1

VR(t) = – 1        1 ≤ t <3

VR(t) = – 2 (t – 4)     3 ≤ t ≤ 4

VR(t) = 0              4 ≤ t <5

Hence, E[0, 5] = E[0, 1] + E[1, 3] + E[3, 4] + E[4, 5]

CIRCUIT REDUCTION AND VOLTAGE/ CURRENT DIVISION

• PROBLEM 1-10

Find Req for the network of Fig. 1; (a) as it is shown; (b) with the 5–Ω resistor replaced by a short circuit (0 Ω) ; (c) with the 5–Ω resistor replaced by an open circuit ( ∞ Ω) .

Solution:     (a) Start to combine resistors at the right side of the circuit.

Add the 5, 9, and 1–Ω resistors, which now form a resistor parallel to the 10-Ω resistor.

Fig. 3 shows the resulting circuit. This circuit can be further simplified similarly.

Req = 3 + 3 + 4 = 10Ω.

(b) Replacing the 5Ω resistor by a short circuit, proceed in a similar manner. Fig. 6-10 show the process.

R eq = 3 + 4 + 2.933 = 9.933 Ω.

(c) Replace the 5Ω resistor with an open circuit. This isolates the 9 and 1–Ω resistors. Fig. 11 demonstrates the process.

R eq = 3 + 4 + 3.2 = 10.2 Ω.

• PROBLEM 1-11

Find Geq for the network of Fig. 1. (a) as it is shown ; (b) if it is disconnected and the six elements reconnected in parallel; (c) if it is disconnected and the six elements reconnected in series.

Solution:     (a) Start combining conductances at the right of the circuit. Note that the conductances are in parallel. Simply add,

(b) If all the elements are reconnected in parallel, the conductances would equal

(c) If all the elements are connected in series, Geq would be the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocal of the conductances.

• PROBLEM 1-12

In the circuit shown in Fig. 1, it is known that V1 = 6 V. Find is and v.

Solution:     Knowing the voltage across the 2–Ω resistor makes it possible to find the current through the branch containing the 2–Ω and the 3–Ω resistors.

i1 must be equal to i(sub 2) because they both flow through 5–Ω resistances. The series resistor equivalent

R = 3 + 2 = 5Ω.

Since     is = i1 + i2 we have, i = 6A.

To find v, calculate the equivalent resistance across the terminals of the source.

Req = 7.5–Ω

It follows that

v = Req is = 7.5(6) = 45V.

• PROBLEM 1-13

In the circuit shown in Fig. 1, find V1 and the voltage v across both sources if is is given as 12A.

Solution:     In Fig. 2 observe that

i = is + 0.6v1 = i1 + i2.

Since i1 and i2 both flow through a branch with the same equivalent resistances, they must be equal. Thus we have

i = is + 0.6v1 = 2i1 = 2i2.

We can write V1 = i1R where R = 2–Ω. Since i = 2i1 we have

Substituting 2–Ω of R and 12A for is , solve for v1

v1 = ½ (12 + 0.6v1) 2

v 1= 12 + 0.6v1

0. 4 v =12

v is found by calculating i and the equivalent resistance Req across the terminals of the two sources,

From Fig. 3 we find v = Req i = 7 .5 (30) = 225V.

• PROBLEM 1-14

The destruction (by open circuit) of which resistor in the circuit of Fig. 1 would cause the greatest increase in the power supplied by the current source? what is this power?

Solution:     In order for the current source to supply increased power, the voltage across its terminals vba must be at a maximum. This will happen only if the equivalent resistance across its terminals is at a maximum.

The equivalent resistance for the complete circuit is 360–Ω.

A larger equivalent resistance can be obtained by removing either the 900–Ω or 100–Ω resistor.

If the 900–Ω resistor is removed, the equivalent resistance is 600–Ω. However, if we remove the 100–Ω resistor the equivalent resistance becomes 639–Ω. The power supplied by the source becomes

p = iv = i²R = (.1) ² (639) = 6.39W.

• PROBLEM 1-15

What must be the resistance of R in the circuit of Fig. 1.

Solution:       By applying the concept of current division illustrated in Fig. 2, it is possible to solve for R directly.

(1)

First we combine the 8– and 12–Ω resistors and write an equation for current division in Fig. 3.

for i and thus solve for R.

60R = 16R + 140.8

44R = 140.8

• PROBLEM 1-16

Let vs = 50 V in the circuit of Fig. 1. Using the concepts of voltage division, current division, and resistance combination, write a single expression that will yield the current ix .

Solution:     The basic concept of voltage division is illustrated in Fig. 2.

(1)

In Fig. 1 the voltage division concept can be applied to consecutive stages to compute the voltage across the 1–Ω resistor and finally its current ix.

For each stage, write an expression for Req that is substituted for R2 in Eq.(1).

Fig. 3 shows voltage division for the first stage.

Fig. 4 shows voltage division for the second stage.

Finally, the third stage is shown in Fig. 5

The entire expression is written piece by piece:

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

By combining Eqs. (2) – (6) and substituting 50V for vs , we have

• PROBLEM 1-17

For the circuit of Fig. 1 find (a) V1; (b) V(sub 2); (c) v3At t = ∞.

Solution:     Redraw the circuit in Fig. 1 and replace each inductor by a short circuit.

Immediately apparent is that v2 = 0.

By transforming the practical voltage source on the left and combining resistances, one obtains the circuit seen in Fig. 3.

Transform the practical current source on the left and combine resistances to obtain the circuit in Fig. 4.

Writing a KCL equation for node n1 in Fig. 4 gives

By repeated source transformations of the practical current source on the right, the single loop circuit in Fig. 5 is obtained.

A KVL equation around loop l1 gives

i1 = (1) i1 = V1 .

3 – (–1.8) = i1 (1 + 3)

KIRCHHOFF’S VOLTAGE LAW

• PROBLEM 1-18

Determine the number of branches and nodes present in each of the circuits of Fig. 1.

Solution:     To determine the nodes and branches of the circuits, draw a circuit using a minimum number of nodes without the circuit elements.

The lines that interconnect the nodes are branches.

• PROBLEM 1-19

A circuit contains six nodes lettered A, B, C, D, E, and F. Let vAB be the voltage between nodes A and B with its positive reference at the first-named node, here A. Find vAC, vAD, vAE and vAF if vAB = 6 V, vBD = – 3 V , vCF = – 8 V, vEC = 4 V, and: (a) vDE = 1 V; (b) vCD = 1 V; (c) VFE = 4 V.

Solution:       (a) Position the nodes in any arbitrarily chosen order and indicate the voltages between the nodes.

In order to find the voltages in question, write a KVL equation around a loop which contains the unknown voltage.

To find vAC write,

vAC = vAB + vBD + vDE + vEC

vAC = 6 + (– 3) + 1 + 4

yielding vAC = 8V.

To solve vAD write,

vAD = vAB + vBD

vAD = 6 + (– 3)

yielding vAD = 3V.

To find vAE write,

vAE = vAB + vBD + vDE

vAE = 6 + (– 3) + 1

yielding     vAE = 4V.

To find vAF:

vAF = vAB + vBD + vDE + vEC + vCF

vAF = 6 + (– 3) + 1 + 4 + (– 8)

yielding     vAF = 0.

(b)              vAC = 6 + (– 3) – 1 = 2V

vAD = 6 + (– 3) = 3V

vAE = 6 + (– 3) – 1 – 4 = – 2V

vAF = 6 + (– 3) – 1 – 8 = – 6V.

(c)

Only one loop can be formed to include the unknown voltages and that loop is

vAD = vAB + vBD = 6 + (– 3) = 3V.

• PROBLEM 1-20

Determine vX in each of the circuits of Fig. 1.

Solution:     (a) Apply Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law to establish the sum of the voltage drops around a loop. The sum of the voltage drops around a loop must be equal to the sum of the sources around that loop.

In Fig. 1(a) the voltage drop across the 5Ω resistor is 3 . 5 = 15V. Therefore, vx must be 15V.

(b) Fig. 2 shows the loop path taken for this problem.

The sum of the voltage drops = 7 . 1 + 3(2 + 4)

 = 25.

  The source voltage vx = 25V.

(c) Fig. 3 illustrates the loop path taken to solve this problem.

The sum of the voltage drops = vx + 15 • 3+2 • 6

= vx + 57V x

     The voltage source = 37V.

Therefore               37V = vx + 57V

vx = – 20V.

Note: There are several methods one can use to apply Kirchhoff’s laws. In all methods, one must pay careful attention to the signs of voltage sources and current directions.

• PROBLEM 1-21

A series loop contains the following circuit elements in order: a 6–V source, a 2–kΩ resistor, a 3–kΩ resistor, an 18–V source, and a 7–kΩ resistor. The voltage sources add.

  (a) Find the magnitude of the voltage across each resistor.

  (b) Determine the power absorbed by each element.

Solution:     Begin by drawing the circuit diagram for the problem. This is shown in Fig. 1.

Voltage sources add as you proceed around the loop.

(a) To find the voltage across each resistor, write a KVL equation around the loop which enables us to find the current in the loop. We assume a clockwise current i.

6v + 18v = i (2 + 3 + 7) × 10³

Thus,        v2kΩ = iR

= (2 × 10–3) (2 × 10³) = 4v

v3kΩ = (2 × 10–3) (2 × 10³) = 6v

v7kΩ = (2 × 10–3) (2 × 10³) = 14v

(b) The power absorbed by each element would be p = vi.

Consider that the power absorbed by the two sources is negative.

Thus, for the power in each element p = vi

• PROBLEM 1-22

For the circuit shown in Fig. 1, find the power: (a) delivered to the 5–KΩ resistor; (b) supplied by the –25–V source; (c) supplied by the 10–V source.

Solution:     Write a KVL equation for the single loop. Assume the current i flows in a clockwise direction.

– 25V + 10V = i (1kΩ + 5kΩ + 1500Ω).

Solve for i

i    = – 2 mA.

(a)   The power delivered to the 5kΩ resistor would be

p = i² R

p = (– 2 × 10–3)² 5000

p = (4 × 10–6)5000 = 20 mW.

(b)   In order for a voltage to supply (positive) power, a (positive) current must flow from the positive terminal •

Fig. 2 shows the current and voltage for the – 25 V supply.

Reverse the signs for the voltage source and change it to + 25V, reverse the arrow for the current, and change it to + 2 mA. The resulting diagram in Fig. 3 demonstrates that the power supplied is

(+ 2 mA) (+ 25V) = 50 mW.

(c)  Use the same methods as in part   (b).

Power supplied is negative = – (2 mA) (10V)

= – 20 mW.

• PROBLEM 1-23

With reference to the circuit of Fig. 1, find the power absorbed by: (a) the 100–Ω resistor? (b) the 300–V source? (c) the dependent source.

Solution:     Write a KVL equation for the single loop. Assume the current i flows in a clockwise direction.

Notice that the voltage across the 100–Ω resistor is 100i. This can be substituted for vx in the above KVL equation.

Thus, 300 + 0.4 (100i) – 40 = i (5+ 100).

Now solve for the single unknown variable i:

300 – 40 = i (5 + 100) – (0.4) (100) i

i (5 + 100 – 40) = 300 – 40

(a)  Power absorbed by the 100–Ω resistor is

p = i²R = (4) ² (100) – 1600 W.

(b)  For a source to absorb power (positive) current must flow out of its negative terminal.

For the 300V source, Fig. 2 shows that current flows from the positive terminal. Thus,

p = vi = – (300) (4) = – 1200 W.

(c)  Similarly, the dependent source absorbs negative power as shown in Fig. 3. The power is found by

p = vi = – [0.4 vx (4)]

since vx = 100i = 100(4)

we have p = – [ (0.4) (100) (4) (4)] = – 640 W.

• PROBLEM 1-24

Specify i, v, and the power absorbed by the unknown circuit element in Fig. 1 if the 100–V source supplies (a) 100 W; (b) 300 W.

Solution:     (a) Consider that the 100–V source supplies 100W. Thus, the positive current through the loop flows clockwise and its value is

Knowing this current makes it possible to write a KVL equation around the loop and solve for v.

100V – 60V = (1A) (20Ω) + v

 v = 20V.

The power absorbed is positive and is

20(1) = 20W.

(b)    With the 100–V source supplying 300W, it can be seen that the positive current direction is still the same and the current is

The KVL equation

100V – 60V = (3A)(20ft) + v yields

v = 100 – 60 – 60 = – 20V.

The power absorbed now becomes negative

– (20) (3) = – 60W.

• PROBLEM 1-25

In the circuit of Fig. 1, what value should v be so that a charge of 600 C is delivered to the 100-V source in 1 min?

Solution:     In order for 600 C of charge to be delivered to the 100–V source, the current must flow counterclockwise.

To find the current, use the definition

Now apply a KVL equation for the loop to solve for v.

v + 60 – 100 = 10(20)

v = 200 + 100 – 60 = 240V.

• PROBLEM 1-26

(a) In the circuit shown in Fig. 1, find i1. (b) Replace the dependent source by a 2–kΩ resistor and again find iv.

Solution:     (a) To accomplish this, write a KVL equation around the loop in Fig. 1.

4V + 7V – (2 x 10³ i1) = i1(l + 8) x 10

 11V = i(11 × 10³)

(b)

Write a KVL equation around the loop in Fig. 2.

4V + 7V = i1(1 + 8 + 2) × 10³

  11V = i(11 × 10³)

• PROBLEM 1-27

In the circuit shown in Fig. 1 find i1.

Solution:     Writing a KVL equation for the loop, we obtain

4V + 7V – 13v1 = i1(1 + 8) × 10³

substitute          V1 = 1 × 10³ i1

4 + 7 – 13 × 10³ i1 = 9 × 10³ i1

11 = 22 × 10³ i1

.

• PROBLEM 1-28

Find the power delivered to each of the 10–Ω resistors in the circuit of Fig. 1.

Solution:     By combining resistances, it is possible to reduce the circuit in Fig. 1 to a single loop circuit. Now the voltage drop for the center 10–Ω resistor can be found.

Combining on the left side yields

Series Resistor Equivalent,

R1 = (50 + 30)Ω = 80Ω

R2 = (50 + 10)Ω = 60Ω

Parallel Resistor Equivalent,

= 24Ω

Combining series resistors we get ,

The 200–Ω and the 50–Ω resistors are in parallel and are combined to obtain the single loop circuit of Fig. 5.

The KVL equation for this loop

    100 = i (10 + 40)

Power absorbed by the center 10–Ω resistor is,

p = i²R = (2)² 10 = 40W.

The voltage drop V1 in Fig. 5,

v1 = i R = (2) (40) = 80V,

is the voltage across the 50–Ω resistor of Fig. 4, which is in turn the voltage across the left-half of the circuit in Fig. 4.

From Fig. 4

,

the current through the left side of the circuit is known (see Fig. 6) . Now the voltage drop across the 50 and 10-Ω resistor combination in Fig. 7 can be found.

It follows that the current i2 is

and the power absorbed by the 10–Ω resistor is

p = i ² R = (0.64) ² 10 = 4.096W.

• PROBLEM 1-29

By combining resistances in the circuit of Fig. 1, find the power supplied by the source and also the power absorbed by the 900-Ω resistor.

Solution :     Figs. 2 - 5 demonstrate the process of resistor combination.

Finally, we have the single loop

where    v = (0.1) (360) = 36V.    It follows that the power supplied by the current source is

p = vi = 36(0.1) = 3.6W.

The power absorbed by the 900-Ω resistor is

.

• PROBLEM 1-30

Find vx in the circuits of Fig. 1a, b, and c.

Solution :     (a) In order to find vx, combine resistors to form a single loop circuit.

The circuit of Fig. 1a reduces to

the circuit shown in Fig. 3.

Write a KVL equation for the single loop circuit. Assume that i flows counterclockwise.

100 = i (8 + 12)

     i = 5A.

vx voltage sense is opposite that of the current. Thus vx = – 12(5) = – 60V.