.

B.ENG (Hons) ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS/

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

EAT113

ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES
LAB REPORT 3

TITLE: SUPERPOSITION THEOREM EXPERIMENT

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1.0. Abstract:
The experiment that follows was carried out to check and verify the superposition theorem.The
superposition theorem for electrical circuits states that the response (voltage or current) in any
branch of a linear circuit having more thanone independent source equals the algebraic sum of
the responses caused by each independent source acting alone, while all other independent
sources are replaced by their internal impedances. The experiment showed that the combined
current entering a load equals the current from the individual sources thus satisfying the theorem.

2.0. Objective:
To verify experimentally the superposition theorem, which is an analytic technique of
determining current in a circuit with more than one E.M.F source.

3.0. Theory:
The superposition theorem for electrical circuits states that the response (voltage or current) in
any branch of a bilateral linear circuit having more thanone independent source equals the
algebraic sum of the responses caused by each independent source acting alone, while all other
independent sources are replaced by their internal impedances. To know the contribution of each
individual source, all of the other sources first must be set to zero either by:
-Replacing all other independent voltage sources with a short circuit, thereby eliminating
potential difference i.e. V=0.
-Replacing all other independent current sources with an open circuit thereby, eliminating
current, i.e. I=0.
The above procedure is followed for each source in turn, and then the resultant responses are
added to determine the true operation of the circuit. The resultant circuit operation is the
superposition of the various voltage and current sources.

4.0. Apparatus:
S.NO

Components

Resistors

2
3

Variable power supply

Multimeter

4
5

Breadboard
Connecting wires

Ratings
0.98 k
3.23 k
1.76 k
0-30 V, 1A D.C
200-2M, 20V D.C
20mA D.C
-

Quantity
1
1
1
2
3
1
Few

5.0. Procedure:

Using multimeter as an ohmmeter, the values of resistors R1, R2 and R3are recorded in
table 1.
With the power supplies off, the circuit is connected as shown in figure below.
R1 980

R2 3.23k
+

AM1

V7
VM1

R3 1.76k

V 12

A
+

VM2

Both the V1 and V2power supplies are powered ON and calibrated to 7 V (V1) and 12 V
(V2).
The ammeter readings (I3) are recorded in table 1.
The circuit is reconstructed without the V2 DC voltage source as shown in figure below.

R1 980

R2 3.23k
+

V 12

A
AM1

R3 1.76k

VM2

The reading, I3is recorded in the table2

The circuit is reconstructed without the V1 DC voltage source as shown in figure below.

R1 980

R2 3.23k
+

A
+

R3 1.76k

AM1

V7
VM1

In table 3, the reading I3are recorded.

I3=I3+I3is checked to verify the superposition theorem.

6.0. Results and analysis:

Resistors
R1
R2
0.98k
3.23 k

Resistors
R1
R2
0.98k
3.23 k

Voltage
R3
1.76 k

R3
1.76 k

V1
6.97V

V2
12.03V
Table 1

Voltage
V2
12.03 V
Table 2

Current
I3 calculated
3.25mA

I3 measured
3.26 mA

Current
I3 calculated
1.12mA

I3 measured
1.13 mA

Resistors
R1
R2
0.98k
3.23 k

R3
1.76 k

Voltage
V1
6.97 V
Table 3

Current
I3calculated
2.13mA

I3 measured
2.13 mA

6.1. Stimulated results:

The computer software TINA was used to get computer generated results. Below are the
screenshots of the results that were found.

6.1.1. For combined V1 and V2:

6.1.2. For V2 (12 V):

6.1.3. For V1 (7V):

6.2. Theoretical calculation:

7.0. Discussion:
The focus of the experiment was the superposition theorem. The current and the voltage in
the circuit were measured and recorded using calibrated multimeter. The resistance of the
resistors was measured individually using a calibrated ohmmeter. The resistor was not
connected on the circuit and then its resistance measured since this would have given us false
readings. In the experiment, the individual current from separate power sources was
measured. It was done by short circuiting one power source and find the current from the
other source. First total resistance was found out and then using the formula V=IR, the
resultant current was then found out. Same procedure was then carried out for the rest the
voltage sources. After the individual currents were found out, they were then algebraically
added up to the load we were observing. This equaled the total current with all the E.M.F
sources attached. The result from the experiment proves that the total current in a branch of
the circuit is equal to the current from the individual sources. This experimental outcome was
cross checked both using both computer generated results and theoretical technique. The end
result from all three procedures was almost close to each other but not exact due to

experimental errors present. The experimental error may include the resistance of the
connecting wire and clips which might have altered the actual current values. To reduce this
resistance, a sand paper could be used to sand the surface of the clips. The results of this
experiment are of great importance. One of the applications of this theorem can be seen in
the vehicles headlights. A car alternator is a constant current source, if you look at it shortterm. The voltage regulator will take a second or so to respond, so on very short time scales
the current is just about fixed.When you turn on the car headlights, the filaments are cold and
have much less resistance. They take maybe 30 amps each side for a very short time, so that
60 A has to come from somewhere. The alternator can't provide it as it can't respond that
quickly, so the battery takes up the slack. The battery can be looked at as a voltage source
with a low resistance. The situation changes as the filaments warm up and as the alternator's
voltage regulator responds.

8.0. Conclusion:
From the experiment carried out, it was determined that the total current entering a load from
combined E.M.F sources equals the algebraic sum of individual caused by E.M.F sources
acting along. Thus satisfying the superposition theorem.

9.0. References:

Boylestad L. Robert, 2007, Principles of Electric circuits: Conventionalcurrent

Version, 9th version, Pearson international edition. Prentice hall.

Michael Richards. (2013). Electrical and

Electronic. Available:http://www.ku.edu.np/ee/files/courses/engg103/lab_2.pdf.-

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