Problems 131

Here’s the answer to the trick question on page warm because of power dissipation in the resistance.
117: Suppose that we open circuit the terminals. Then, The point of this question is that the circuits are
no current flows through the Thévenin equivalent, but equivalent in terms of their terminal voltage and
a current In circulates in the Norton equivalent. Thus, current, not in terms of their internal behavior.
the box containing the Norton equivalent will become

Problems
Section 2.1: Resistances in Series and Parallel
*P2.1. Reduce each of the networks shown in Figure 20 Æ 5Æ
P2.1 to a single equivalent resistance by
combining resistances in series and parallel. a b

10 Æ 10 Æ
10 Æ 10 Æ
Figure P2.3

50 Æ 60 Æ 20 Æ

*P2.4. Suppose that we need a resistance of 1.5 kΩ

20 Æ 10 Æ
and you have a box of 1@kΩ resistors. Devise
a network of 1@kΩ resistors so the equivalent
(a) resistance is 1.5 kΩ. Repeat for an equivalent
resistance of 2.2 kΩ.
10 Æ 10 Æ *P2.5. Find the equivalent resistance between
terminals a and b in Figure P2.5.

50 Æ 20 Æ 20 Æ
10 Æ

20 Æ 10 Æ 5Æ 7Æ

(b)
5Æ a
Figure P2.1
20 Æ 10 Æ
b
*P2.2. A 5 Ω resistance is in series with the parallel
Figure P2.5
combination of a 25 Ω resistance and an
unknown resistance Rx. The equivalent
resistance for the network is 10 Ω.
Determine the value of Rx. P2.6. Find the equivalent resistance between
*P2.3. Find the equivalent resistance looking into terminals a and b for each of the networks
terminals a and b in Figure P2.3. shown in Figure P2.6.

* Denotes that answers are contained in the Student Solutions files. See Appendix E for more information about accessing the Student
Solutions.
132 Chapter 2 Resistive Circuits

2Æ 6Æ P2.10. A network connected between terminals a

a and b consists of two parallel combinations
that are in series. The first parallel
20 Æ 18 Æ 63 Æ combination is composed of a 5 Ω resistor
30 Æ and a 10 Ω resistor. The second parallel
b combination is composed of a 20 Ω resistor
4Æ and a 40 Ω resistor. Draw the network and
determine its equivalent resistance.
15 Æ
P2.11. Two resistances R1 and R2 are connected in
(a) parallel. We know that R1 = 50 Ω and that
6Æ 6Æ the current through R2 is two times the value
a b
of the current through R1. Determine the
value of R2.
16 Æ 8Æ 28 Æ 15 Æ
30 Æ P2.12. Find the equivalent resistance for the infinite
network shown in Figure P2.12(a). Because of
8Æ 3Æ
its form, this network is called a semi-infinite
ladder. [Hint: If another section is added
(b) to the ladder as shown in Figure P2.12(b),
the equivalent resistance is the same. Thus,
4Æ 30 Æ
a working from Figure P2.12(b), we can write
an expression for Req in terms of Req. Then,
24 Æ we can solve for Req.]

b 2Æ 2Æ 2Æ
6Æ 20 Æ

(c)
Req 4Æ 4Æ
Figure P2.6

P2.7. What resistance in parallel with 100 Ω results 2Æ 2Æ 2Æ

in an equivalent resistance of 50 Ω? (a)
P2.8. a. Determine the resistance between termi- 2Æ
nals a and b for the network shown in Fig-
Ladder
ure P2.8. b. Repeat after connecting c and d Req network
Req 2Æ
with a short circuit. of (a)

a 2Æ
6Æ 20 Æ (b)
Figure P2.12
c d

P2.13. If we connect n 1000@Ω resistances in parallel,

20 Æ 6Æ
what value is the equivalent resistance?
b
P2.14. The heating element of an electric cook top
Figure P2.8
has two resistive elements, R1 = 57.6 Ω
and R2 = 115.2 Ω, that can be operated
P2.9. Two resistances having values 2R and separately, in series, or in parallel from
4R are  in parallel. R and the equivalent voltages of either 120 V or 240 V. For the
resistance are both integers. What are the lowest power, R1 is in series with R2, and the
possible values for R? combination is operated from 120 V. What
 Problems 133

is the lowest power? For the highest power, a

how should the elements be operated?
What power results? List three more modes 5Æ
of operation and the resulting power for
each.
P2.15. We are designing an electric space heater to
operate from 120 V. Two heating elements R
with resistances R1 and R2 are to be used that
can be operated in parallel, separately, or in 60 Æ
series. The highest power is to be 1280 W, and
the lowest power is to be 240 W. What values
6Æ 3Æ
are needed for R1 and R2? What intermediate
power settings are available?
b
P2.16. Sometimes, we can use symmetry consider-
Figure P2.17
ations to find the resistance of a circuit that
cannot be reduced by series or parallel com-
binations. A classic problem of this type is
illustrated in Figure P2.16. Twelve 1@Ω resis-
tors are arranged on the edges of a cube, and P2.18. a. Three conductances G1, G2, and G3 are in
terminals a and b are connected to diagonally series. Write an expression for the equivalent
opposite corners of the cube. The problem is conductance Geq = 1/Req in terms of
to find the resistance between the terminals. G1, G2, and G3. b. Repeat part (a) with the
Approach the problem this way: Assume conductances in parallel.
that 1 A of current enters terminal a and P2.19. Most sources of electrical power behave as
exits through terminal b. Then, the voltage (approximately) ideal voltage sources. In this
between terminals a and b is equal to the case, if we have several loads that we want to
unknown resistance. By symmetry consider- operate independently, we place the loads in
ations, we can find the current in each resis- parallel with a switch in series with each load.
tor. Then, using KVL, we can find the voltage Thereupon, we can switch each load on or off
between a and b. without affecting the power delivered to the
other loads.
How would we connect the loads and
switches if the source is an ideal independent
current source? Draw the diagram of the
current source and three loads with on–off
switches such that each load can be switched
a on or off without affecting the power supplied
to the other loads. To turn a load off, should
b
the corresponding switch be opened or
closed? Explain.
P2.20. The resistance for the network shown in
Figure P2.20 between terminals a and b with
Figure P2.16 Each resistor has a value c open circuited is Rab = 30 Ω. Similarly, the
of 1 Ω. resistance between terminals b and c with
a open is Rbc = 40 Ω, and between c and a
with b open is Rca = 50 Ω. Now, suppose that
a short circuit is connected from terminal b
P2.17. The equivalent resistance between terminals to terminal c, and determine the resistance
a and b in Figure P2.17 is Rab = 20 Ω. between terminal a and the shorted terminals
Determine the value of R. b–c.
134 Chapter 2 Resistive Circuits

a
i1
2Æ
Ra
+
5V i2
-
+
Rc vx 6Æ 6Æ
Rb -
b c
Figure P2.23
Figure P2.20
*P2.24. Find the voltages v1 and v2 for the circuit
P2.21. Often, we encounter delta-connected loads, shown in Figure P2.24 by combining
such as that illustrated in Figure P2.21, in resistances in series and parallel.
three-phase power distribution systems
(which are treated in Section 5.7). If we 3Æ 25 Æ
only have access to the three terminals, a
method for determining the resistances is + +
+
to repeatedly short two terminals together vs = 12 V
-
10 Æ v1 30 Æ v2 5Æ
and measure the resistance between the 3Æ
- -
shorted terminals and the third terminal.
Then, the resistances can be calculated from
Figure P2.24
the three measurements. Suppose that the
measurements are Ras = 12 Ω, Rbs = 20 Ω, *P2.25. Find the values of v and i in Figure P2.25.
and Rcs = 15 Ω. Where Ras is the resistance
between terminal a and the short between
5Æ 20 Æ 10 Æ
b and c, etc. Determine the values of Ra, Rb,
i
and Rc. (Hint: You may find the equations
+
easier to deal with if you work in terms of 20 Æ
8A v 25 Æ 10 Æ
conductances rather than resistances. Once
20 Æ 20 Æ
the conductances are known, you can easily -
invert their values to find the resistances.)
Figure P2.25

a P2.26. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P2.24.

Suppose that the value of vs is adjusted until
v2 = 5 V. Determine the new value of  vs.
Rc Rb [Hint: Start at the right-hand side of the
circuit and compute currents and voltages,
moving to the left until you reach the source.]
Ra
b c P2.27. Find the voltage v and the currents i1 and i2
Figure P2.21 for the circuit shown in Figure P2.27.

2A
Section 2.2: Network Analysis by Using Series and
Parallel Equivalents i2
- v +
P2.22. What are the steps in solving a circuit
40 Æ i1 10 Æ 2Æ 6Æ
by network reduction (series/parallel
combinations)? Does this method always 4Æ
provide the solution? Explain.
*P2.23. Find the values of i1 and i2 in Figure P2.23. Figure P2.27
 Problems 135

P2.28. Find the values of vs, v1, and i2 in Figure P2.32. The 10 V source in Figure P2.32 is delivering
P2.28. 30 mW of power. All four resistors have the
same value R. Find the value of R.
40 Æ 5Æ
R
+ - -
20 Æ v1 v2 20 Æ vs 4A i
+
- + + 12 V R R R
i1 -
i2

Figure P2.28
Figure P2.32

P2.29. Find the values of i1 and i2 in Figure P2.29. P2.33. Refer to the circuit shown in Figure P2.33.
With the switch open, we have v2, = 5 V. On
10 V
the other hand, with the switch closed, we
5Æ have v2 = 3.33 V. Determine the values of
- +
+
R2 and RL.
i2

2Æ i1 v2 12 Æ 1Æ
4Æ
-
+

Figure P2.29 + R2 v2 RL
10 V -

-
P2.30. Consider the circuit shown in Figure P2.30.
Find the values of v1, v2, and vab. Figure P2.33

4Æ 3Æ 4Æ *P2.34. Find the values of i1 and i2 in Figure P2.34.

a b
Find the power for each element in the
+ + circuit, and state whether each is absorbing or
+ i1 v v2 delivering energy. Verify that the total power
10 V 1 6Æ 8Æ 4A
-
absorbed equals the total power delivered.
- -

6Æ + i1 i2
Figure P2.30
20 A vx 2Æ 6Æ 10 A

P2.31. Solve for the values of i1, i2, and the powers -
for the sources in Figure P2.31. Is the current
Figure P2.34
source absorbing energy or delivering ene-
rgy? Is the voltage source absorbing energy
*P2.35. Find the values of i1 and i2 in Figure P2.35.
or delivering it?

5Æ i1 2Æ 6Æ
i2 i2
i1 +
15 V
+ -
5A - 40 V 15 Æ
2Æ 6Æ

Figure P2.31 Figure P2.35

136 Chapter 2 Resistive Circuits

Section2.3: Voltage-Divider and Current-Divider The current taken from the 10 V source is
Circuits 100 mA. a. Find the values of R1 and R2. b.
*P2.36. Use the voltage-division principle to calculate Now suppose that a load resistance of 100 Ω
v1, v2, and v3 in Figure P2.36. is connected across the output terminals (i.e.,
in parallel with R2). Find the value of vo.
R1 = 2 Æ
R1
+ v1 -
+ +
+
10 V v2 R2 = 5 Æ
- +
- 10 V R2 vo
- v3 + -

-
R3 = 3 Æ
Figure P2.40
Figure P2.36

*P2.37. Use the current-division principle to calculate P2.41. A source supplies 100 V to the series
i1 and i2 in Figure P2.37. combination of a 5 Ω resistance, a 2.5 Ω
resistance, and an unknown resistance Rx. The
voltage across the 2.5 Ω resistance is 10 V.
i1 i2 Determine the value of the unknown resistance.
2A
R1 = R2 = 8 Æ P2.42. We have a 6 Ω resistance, a 2 Ω resistance,
4Æ and an unknown resistance Rx in parallel with
a 10 mA current source. The current through
the unknown resistance is 5 mA. Determine
Figure P2.37
the value of Rx.
*P2.38. Use the voltage-division principle to calculate *P2.43. A worker is standing on a wet concrete floor,
v in Figure P2.38. holding an electric drill having a metallic case.
The metallic case is connected through the
R1 = 5 Æ
ground wire of a three-terminal power outlet
to power-system ground. The resistance of
+ the ground wire is Rg. The resistance of the
+ R2 = worker’s body is Rw = 100 Ω. Due to faulty
20 V v R3 = 5 Æ
- 5Æ insulation in the drill, a current of 4 A flows
- into its metallic case. The circuit diagram for
this situation is shown in Figure P2.43. Find
Figure P2.38 the maximum value of Rg so that the current
through the worker does not exceed 0.2 mA.
P2.39. Use the current-division principle to calculate
the value of i3 in Figure P2.39. i=4A Metallic case

R1 = 200 Æ +

v Rw = 500 Æ Rg
R2 =
10 mA 50 Æ R3 = 150 Æ -

i3 Concrete floor Power-system ground

Figure P2.39 Figure P2.43

P2.40. Suppose we need to design a voltage-divider P2.44. Suppose we have a load that absorbs power
circuit to provide an output voltage vo = 2.5 V and requires a current varying between 0
from a 10 V source as shown in Figure P2.40. and 50 mA. The voltage across the load must
 Problems 137

remain between 4.7 and 5.0 V. A 15-V source 5Æ

is available. Design a voltage-divider network
to supply the load. You may assume that is v2
resistors of any value desired are available. v1 + -
Also, give the minimum power rating for each
resistor. 10 V
5Æ 10 Æ 1A
P2.45. We have a load resistance of 25 Ω that we wish
to supply with 2.5 V. A 10-V voltage source and
resistors of any value needed are available.
Draw a suitable circuit consisting of the voltage
source, the load, and one additional resistor. Figure P2.49
Specify the value of the resistor.
P2.46. We have a load resistance of 2 kΩ that we P2.50. Solve for the node voltages shown in Figure
wish to supply with 50 mW. A 40 mA current P2.50. What are the new values of the node
source and resistors of any value needed are voltages after the direction of the current
available. Draw a suitable circuit consisting of source is reversed? How are the values
the current source, the load, and one additional related?
resistor. Specify the value of the resistor.
P2.47. The circuit of Figure P2.47 is similar to
9Æ
networks used in digital-to-analog converters.
For this problem, assume that the circuit
continues indefinitely to the right. Find the v2
v1 v3
values of i1, i2, i3, and i4. How is in + 2 related 6Æ 3A
to in? What is the value of i18? (Hint: See
21 Æ 28 Æ 6Æ
Problem P2.12.)

R1 = 2 kÆ R3 = 2 kÆ R5 = 2 kÆ R7 = 2 kÆ

i1 i3 i5 i7
Figure P2.50
+ R2 i2 R4 i4 R6 i6 R8 …
16 V
- 4 kÆ 4 kÆ 4 kÆ 4 kÆ
P2.51. Given R1 = 4 Ω, R2 = 5 Ω, R3 = 8 Ω,
R4 = 10 Ω, R5 = 2 Ω, and Is = 2 A, solve
Figure P2.47 for the node voltages shown in Figure P2.51.

Section 2.4: Node-Voltage Analysis

R1
*P2.48. Write equations and solve for the node
voltages shown in Figure P2.48. Then, find
the value of i1. v2
v1 v3
v1 10 Æ v2 R2 R3

R4 Is R5
i1
1A 20 Æ 5Æ 2A

Figure P2.51

Figure P2.48
P2.52. Determine the value of i1 in Figure P2.52 using
*P2.49. Solve for the node voltages shown in Figure node voltages to solve the circuit. Select the
P2.49. Then, find the value of is. location of the reference node to minimize
138 Chapter 2 Resistive Circuits

the number of unknown node voltages. What R1

effect does the 20@Ω resistance have on the
answer? Explain. R2 R3
a

15 V Req R4 R5
+ -
b
5Æ 20 Æ Figure P2.55

i1
1A 2Æ 10 Æ 2A

*P2.56. Solve for the values of the node voltages

shown in Figure P2.56. Then, find the value
Figure P2.52 of ix.

P2.53. Given R1 = 15 Ω, R2 = 5 Ω, R3 = 20 Ω,
R4 = 10 Ω, R5 = 8 Ω, R6 = 4 Ω, an d v1 5Æ v2
Is = 5 A, solve for the node voltages shown
in Figure P2.53. ix
1A 10 Æ 0.5ix 20 Æ

R1

Figure P2.56
R2
R3 v1
v3
Is
*P2.57. Solve for the node voltages shown in Figure
R4 P2.57.
R5 R6

v2
10 Æ
Figure P2.53
- vx +
v1 15 Æ 10 Æ v2
P2.54. In solving a network, what rule must you
observe when writing KCL equations? Why? +
1A 5Æ 2vx 5Æ 2A
P2.55. Use the symbolic features of MATLAB -
to find an expression for the equivalent
resistance for the network shown in Figure
P2.55. [Hint: First, connect a 1-A current
source across terminals a and b. Then, solve Figure P2.57
the network by the node-voltage technique.
The voltage across the current source is equal
in value to the equivalent resistance.] Finally,
use the subs command to evaluate for R1 = P2.58 Solve for the power delivered to the 8@Ω
15 Ω, R2 = 5 Ω, R3 = 20 Ω, R4 = 10 Ω, and resistance and for the node voltages shown
R5 = 8 Ω. in Figure P2.58.
 Problems 139

6Æ
8Æ a
v1 v2
ix
+ -
9Æ 24 Æ 0.5ix
aix
5A 10 Æ 20 Æ 3A
b
ix
Figure P2.61
a=5Æ
P2.62. Figure P2.62 shows an unusual voltage-
Figure P2.58
divider circuit. Use node-voltage analysis and
the symbolic math commands in MATLAB
P2.59. Solve for the node voltages shown in Figure to solve for the voltage division ratio Vout/Vin
P2.59. in terms of the resistances. Notice that the
node-voltage variables are V1, V2, and Vout.
2A

R1 V1 R1
ix
v2
v1 +
5Æ 10 Æ R1 R1
Vin + Vout
+ R2
1A aix 10 Æ 3A - V2
-
R1
-
a=5Æ

Figure P2.59
Figure P2.62

P2.60. Find the equivalent resistance looking into

terminals for the network shown in Figure P2.63. Solve for the node voltages in the circuit of
P2.60. [Hint: First, connect a 1-A current Figure P2.63. Disregard the mesh currents,
source across terminals a and b. Then, solve i1, i2, i3, and i4 when working with the node
the network by the node-voltage technique. voltages.
The voltage across the current source is equal
in value to the equivalent resistance.] 10 V
4 kÆ v1
+ vx - + -
a
10 Æ
i1 i2
20 Æ 5Æ avx
1k Æ
a = 0.1 S 3 kÆ 2 kÆ
b v2 v4
v3
Figure P2.60

P2.61. Find the equivalent resistance looking into 2 kÆ i3 i4 5 kÆ

terminals for the network shown in Figure
2 mA
P2.61. [Hint: First, connect a 1-A current
source across terminals a and b. Then, solve
the network by the node-voltage technique.
The voltage across the current source is equal
in value to the equivalent resistance.] Figure P2.63
140 Chapter 2 Resistive Circuits

P2.64. We have a cube with 1@Ω resistances along 5Æ 10 Æ

each edge as illustrated in Figure P2.64 in
which we are looking into the front face which
+ -
has corners at nodes 1, 2, 7, and the reference 20 V i1 15 Æ i2
+ 10 V
-
node. Nodes 3, 4, 5, and 6 are the corners on
the rear face of the cube. (Alternatively, you
can consider it to be a planar network.) We
Figure P2.65
want to find the resistance between adjacent
nodes, such as node 1 and the reference node.
We do this by connecting a 1-A current source *P2.66. Determine the value of v2 and the power
as shown and solving for v1, which is equal delivered by the source in the circuit of
in value to the resistance between any two Figure P2.24 by using mesh-current analysis.
adjacent nodes. a. Use MATLAB to solve
*P2.67. Use mesh-current analysis to find the value
the matrix equation GV = I for the node
of i1 in the circuit of Figure P2.48.
voltages and determine the resistance. b.
Modify your work to determine the resistance P2.68. Solve for the power delivered by the voltage
between nodes at the ends of a diagonal source in Figure P2.68, using the mesh-
across a face, such as node 2 and the reference current method.
node. c. Finally, find the resistance between
opposite corners of the cube. [Comment: Part
(c) is the same as Problem 2.16 in which we 1Æ
suggested using symmetry to solve for the
resistance. Parts (a) and (b) can also be solved i3
by use of symmetry and the fact that nodes
having the same value of voltage can be
connected by short circuits without changing 7Æ 11 Æ
the currents and voltages. With the shorts 5Æ + 3Æ
i1 i2
in place, the resistances can be combined in -
31 V
series and parallel to obtain the answers. Of
course, if the resistors have arbitrary values,
the MATLAB approach will still work, but
considerations of symmetry will not.] Figure P2.68

v1 v2
P2.69. Use mesh-current analysis to find the value
of v in the circuit of Figure P2.38.
v3 v4
P2.70. Use mesh-current analysis to find the value
of i3 in the circuit of Figure P2.39.
1A
P2.71. Use mesh-current analysis to find the values
v5 v6
of i1 and i2 in Figure P2.27. Select i1 clockwise
around the left-hand mesh, i2 clockwise
around the right-hand mesh, and i3 clockwise
around the center mesh.
v7
P2.72. Find the power delivered by the source and
Figure P2.64 the values of i1 and i2 in the circuit of Figure
P2.23, using mesh-current analysis.
Section 2.5: Mesh-Current Analysis P2.73. Use mesh-current analysis to find the values
*P2.65. Solve for the power delivered to the 15@Ω of i1 and i2 in Figure P2.29. First, select iA
resistor and for the mesh currents shown in clockwise around the left-hand mesh and
Figure P2.65. iB clockwise around the right-hand mesh.
 Problems 141

After solving for the mesh currents, iA and P2.77. Connect a 1-V voltage source across
iB, determine the values of i1 and i2. terminals a and b of the network shown in
P2.74. Use mesh-current analysis to find the values Figure P2.55. Then, solve the network by the
of i1 and i2 in Figure P2.28. First, select iA mesh-current technique to find the current
clockwise around the left-hand mesh and through the source. Finally, divide the
iB clockwise around the right-hand mesh. source voltage by the current to determine
After solving for the mesh currents, iA and the equivalent resistance looking into
iB, determine the values of i1 and i2. terminals a and b. The resistance values are
R1 = 6 Ω, R2 = 5 Ω, R3 = 4 Ω, R4 = 8 Ω,
P2.75. The circuit shown in Figure P2.75 is the dc
and R5 = 2 Ω.
equivalent of a simple residential power
distribution system. Each of the resistances P2.78. Connect a 1-V voltage source across the
labeled R1 and R2 represents various terminals of the network shown in Figure
parallel-connected loads, such as lights or P2.1(a). Then, solve the network by the mesh-
devices plugged into outlets that nominally current technique to find the current through
operate at 120 V, while R3 represents a load, the source. Finally, divide the source voltage
such as the heating element in an oven that by the current to determine the equivalent
nominally operates at 240 V. The resistances resistance looking into the terminals. Check
labeled Rw represent the resistances of wires. your answer by combining resistances in
Rn represents the “neutral” wire. a.  Use series and parallel.
mesh-current analysis to determine the P2.79. Use MATLAB to solve for the mesh currents
voltage magnitude for each load. b. Now in Figure P2.63.
suppose that due to a fault in the wiring
at the distribution panel, the neutral wire
becomes an open circuit. Again compute the Section 2.6: Thévenin and Norton Equivalent
voltages across the loads and comment on Circuits
the probable outcome for a sensitive device *P2.80. Find the Thévenin and Norton equivalent
such as a computer or plasma television that circuits for the two-terminal circuit shown in
is part of the 15@Ω load Figure P2.80.

Rw = 0.1 Æ
10 Æ

120 V + R1 = 15 Æ
– +
10 V 5Æ 1A
-
Rn = 0.1 Æ
R3 = 8 Æ
Figure P2.80
+
120 V
– R2 = 5 Æ
Rw = 0.1 Æ
*P2.81. We can model a certain battery as a voltage
source in series with a resistance. The open-
Figure P2.75
circuit voltage of the battery is 9 V. When a
100@Ω resistor is placed across the terminals
P2.76. Use MATLAB and mesh-current analysis of the battery, the voltage drops to 6 V.
to determine the value of v3 in the circuit Determine the internal resistance (Thévenin
of Figure P2.51. The component values are resistance) of the battery.
R1 = 4 Ω, R2 = 5 Ω, R3 = 8 Ω, R4 = 10 Ω, P2.82. Find the Thévenin and Norton equivalent
R5 = 2 Ω, and Is = 2 A. circuits for the circuit shown in Figure P2.82.
142 Chapter 2 Resistive Circuits

6Æ battery remains constant under open-circuit

a conditions, which of these equivalent circuits
seems more realistic? Explain.
24 Æ 3A 6Æ
P2.86. A certain two-terminal circuit has an open-
circuit voltage of 15 V. When a 2@kΩ load is
b
attached, the voltage across the load is 10 V.
Figure P2.82 Determine the Thévenin resistance for the
circuit.
P2.83. Find the Thévenin and Norton equivalent P2.87. If we measure the voltage at the terminals
circuits for the two-terminal circuit shown in of a two-terminal network with two known
Figure P2.83. (and different) resistive loads attached, we
can determine the Thévenin and Norton
10 Æ 15 Æ
equivalent circuits.
When a 2.2@kΩ load is attached to a
+
32 V
-
10 Æ 30 Æ two-terminal circuit, the load voltage is 4.4
V. When the load is increased to 10 kΩ, the
load voltage becomes 5 V. Find the Thévenin
voltage and resistance for this circuit.
Figure P2.83
P2.88. Find the Thévenin and Norton equivalent
circuits for the circuit shown in Figure P2.88.
P2.84. Find the Thévenin and Norton equivalent 5Æ 10 Æ
circuits for the circuit shown in Figure P2.84. a
Take care that you orient the polarity of + ix
the voltage source and the direction of the 15 V 0.5ix 10 Æ
-
current source correctly relative to terminals
b
a and b. What effect does the 7@Ω resistor
have on the equivalent circuits? Explain your Figure P2.88
answer.
P2.89. Find the maximum power that can be
delivered to a resistive load by the circuit
1A shown in Figure P2.80. For what value of load
resistance is the power maximum?
P2.90. Find the maximum power that can be
delivered to a resistive load by the circuit
a
shown in Figure P2.82. For what value of load
48 Æ resistance is the power maximum?
+
7Æ
-
12 V 16 Æ *P2.91. Figure P2.91 shows a resistive load RL
connected to a Thévenin equivalent circuit.
For what value of Thévenin resistance is the
b
power delivered to the load maximized? Find
Figure P2.84 the maximum power delivered to the load.
[Hint: Be careful; this is a trick question if you
P2.85. An automotive battery has an open-circuit don’t stop to think about it.]
voltage of 12.6 V and supplies 100 A when
a 0.1@Ω resistance is connected across the Rt
battery terminals. Draw the Thévenin and
Norton equivalent circuits, including values Vt = 20 V
+
RL = 10 Æ
-
for the circuit parameters. What current
can this battery deliver to a short circuit?
Considering that the energy stored in the Figure P2.91
 Problems 143

P2.92. Starting from the Norton equivalent circuit P2.97. Solve for i1 in Figure P2.34 by using
with a resistive load RL attached, find an superposition.
expression for the power delivered to the P2.98. Another method of solving the circuit of
load in terms of In, Rt, and RL. Assuming Figure P2.24 is to start by assuming that
that In and Rt are fixed values and that RL v2 = 1 V. Accordingly, we work backward
is variable, show that maximum power is toward the source, using Ohm’s law, KCL,
delivered for RL = Rt. Find an expression and KVL to find the value of vs. Since we
for maximum power delivered to the load in know that v2 is proportional to the value of
terms of In and Rt. vs, and since we have found the value of vs
P2.93. A battery can be modeled by a voltage source that produces v2 = 1 V, we can calculate the
Vt in series with a resistance Rt. Assuming that value of v2 that results when vs = 12 V. Solve
the load resistance is selected to maximize for v2 by using this method.
the power delivered, what percentage of the P2.99. Use the method of Problem P2.98 for the
power taken from the voltage source Vt is circuit of Figure P2.23, starting with the
actually delivered to the load? Suppose that assumption that i2 = 1 A.
RL = 4Rt; what percentage of the power
P2.100. Solve for the actual value of i6 for the circuit
taken from Vt is delivered to the load?
of Figure P2.100, starting with the assumption
Usually, we want to design battery-operated
that i6 = 1 A. Work back through the circuit
systems so that nearly all of the energy stored
to find the value of Is that results in i6 = 1 A.
in the battery is delivered to the load. Should
Then, use proportionality to determine the
we design for maximum power transfer?
value of i6 that results for Is = 10 A.

Section 2.7: Superposition Principle 8Æ

*P2.94. Use superposition to find the current i in i6

Figure P2.94. First, zero the current source
and find the value iv caused by the voltage 9Æ Is 18 Æ 6Æ
= 10 A 12 Æ
source alone. Then, zero the voltage source
and find the value ic caused by the current
source alone. Finally, add the results
Figure P2.100
algebraically.

10 Æ
P2.101. Device A shown in Figure P2.101 has v = 3i 2
for i Ú 0 and v = 0 for i 6 0.
a. Solve for v with the 2-A source active and the
+ 5Æ 1-A source zeroed.
30 V 3A
-
i b. Solve for v with 1-A source active and the 2-A
source zeroed.
c. Solve for v with both sources active. Why
Figure P2.94 doesn’t superposition apply?

*P2.95. Solve for is in Figure P2.49 by using i

superposition. +
P2.96. Solve the circuit shown in Figure P2.48 2A A v 0.5 A
by using superposition. First, zero the 1-A -
source and find the value of i1 with only the
2-A source activated. Then, zero the 2-A Figure P2.101
source and find the value of i1 with only the
1-A source activated. Finally, find the total Section 2.8: Wheatstone Bridge
value of i1 with both sources activated by P2.102. a. The Wheatstone bridge shown in Figure 2.66
algebraically adding the previous results. is balanced with R1 = 10 kΩ, R3 = 3419 Ω,
144 Chapter 2 Resistive Circuits

and R2 = 1 kΩ. Find Rx. b. Repeat if R2 is the remaining two-terminal circuit.) What is
100 kΩ and the other values are unchanged. the value of the Thévenin voltage when the
*P2.103. The Wheatstone bridge shown in Figure 2.66 bridge is balanced?
has vs = 10 V, R1 = 10 kΩ, R2 = 10 kΩ, P2.106. Derive Equation 2.93 for the bridge circuit
and Rx = 5932 Ω. The detector can be of Figure 2.67 on page 129.
modeled as a 5@kΩ resistance. a. What P2.107. Consider a strain gauge in the form of a
value of R3 is required to balance the long thin wire having a length L and a cross-
bridge? b.  Suppose that R3 is 1 Ω higher sectional area A before strain is applied.
than the value found in part (a). Find the After the strain is applied, the length
current through the detector. [Hint: Find the increases slightly to L + ∆L and the area
Thévenin equivalent for the circuit with the is reduced so the volume occupied by the
detector removed. Then, place the detector wire is constant. Assume that ∆L/L V 1
across the Thévenin equivalent and solve for and that the resistivity r of the wire material
the current.] Comment. is constant. Determine the gauge factor
P2.104. In theory, any values can be used for R1
∆R/R0
and R3 in the Wheatstone bridge of Figure G =
2.66. For the bridge to balance, it is only the ∆L/L
ratio R3/R1 that is important. What practical [Hint: Make use of Equation 1.10 on page 48.]
problems might occur if the values are very P2.108. Explain what would happen if, in wiring the
small? What practical problems might occur bridge circuit of Figure 2.67 on page 129, the
if the values are very large? gauges in tension (i.e., those labeled R + ∆R)
P2.105. Derive expressions for the Thévenin voltage were both placed on the top of the bridge
and resistance “seen” by the detector in the circuit diagram, shown in part (b) of the
Wheatstone bridge in Figure 2.66. (In other figure, and those in compression were both
words, remove the detector from the circuit placed at the bottom of the bridge circuit
and determine the Thévenin resistance for diagram.

Practice Test
Here is a practice test you can use to check See Appendix E for more information about
your comprehension of the most important the Student Solutions.
concepts in this chapter. Answers can be
found in Appendix D and complete solutions T2.1. Match each entry in Table T2.1(a) with
are included in the Student Solutions files. the best choice from the list given in Table

Table T2.1
Item Best Match
(a)
a. The equivalent resistance of parallel-connected resistances...
b. Resistances in parallel combine as do...
c. Loads in power distribution systems are most often connected...
d. Solving a circuit by series/parallel combinations applies to...
e. The voltage-division principle applies to...
f. The current-division principle applies to...
g. The superposition principle applies to...
 Practice Test 145

Item Best Match

h. Node-voltage analysis can be applied to...
i. In this book, mesh-current analysis is applied to...
j. The Thévenin resistance of a two-terminal circuit equals...
k. The Norton current source value of a two-terminal circuit equals...
l. A voltage source in parallel with a resistance is equivalent to...

(b)
1. conductances in parallel
2. in parallel
3. all circuits
4. resistances or conductances in parallel
5. is obtained by summing the resistances
6. is the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the resistances
7. some circuits
8. planar circuits
9. a current source in series with a resistance
10. conductances in series
11. circuits composed of linear elements
12. in series
13. resistances or conductances in series
14. a voltage source
15. the open-circuit voltage divided by the short-circuit current
16. a current source
17. the short-circuit current

T2.1(b) for circuits composed of sources and T2.3. Write MATLAB code to solve for the node
resistances. [Items in Table T2.1(b) may be voltages for the circuit of Figure T2.3.
used more than once or not at all.]
T2.2. Consider the circuit of Figure T2.2 with 2Æ
vs = 96 V, R1 = 6 Ω, R2 = 48 Ω, R3 = 16 Ω, 2A
v2
and R4 = 60 Ω. Determine the values of is v1 v3
and i4. 5Æ
4Æ 10 Æ 1Æ

is

i4
R1
Figure T2.3
+
vs R2 R3 R4
- T2.4. Write a set of equations that can be used to
solve for the mesh currents of Figure T2.4. Be
sure to indicate which of the equations you
Figure T2.2 write form the set.
146 Chapter 2 Resistive Circuits

R1
Vs 10 Æ 10 Æ
- +
+ +
5V - 5Æ - 15 V

i1

Figure T2.6
R3

R2
T2.7. Determine the equivalent resistance between
R4 i2 i3 R5 terminals a and b in Figure T2.7.
Is

R1 = 60 Æ
Figure T2.4
a

T2.5. Determine the Thévenin and Norton

equivalent circuits for the circuit of Figure R2 = 30 Æ R3 = 10 Æ R4 = 15 Æ
T2.5. Draw the equivalent circuits labeling
the terminals to correspond with the original
b
circuit.

Figure T2.7
30 Æ
a

+
60 V - 2A 40 Æ T2.8. Transform the 2-A current source and 6@Ω
resistance in Figure T2.8 into an equivalent
b series combination. Then, combine the series
30 Æ voltage sources and resistances. Draw the
Figure T2.5 circuit after each step.

T2.6. According to the superposition principle,

8V
what percentage of the total current flowing 4Æ
- + a
through the 5@Ω resistance in the circuit of
Figure T2.6 results from the 5-V source?
2A 6Æ
What percentage of the power supplied to
the 5@Ω resistance is supplied by the 5-V
source? Assume that both sources are active b
when answering both questions. Figure T2.8