Superposition’s Theorem

1. Calculate the current flowing through the 10Ω resistor using the Superposition’s Theorem.

Figure

Solution:

Step 1: Determine the current flow.

Ia Ib

Ic

Figure
Step 2: 10V ON but 12V OFF

I a’
Ib’
I c’

Figure

Figure

RT = ((R1 + R2)//R3) + (R4 + R5)

= ((7 + 20)//10) + (12 + 15)
= (27//10) + 27

= ( 2727+×1010 ) + 27
= 34.30Ω

10
IT =
34.30

= 0.29A = Ia’

By using current divider method,

27
Ic’ = ( 27+10 )× I T

= 0.73 ×0.29
= 0.211A
10
Ib’ = ( 27+10 )× I T

= 0.27 × 0.29
= 0.078A
Step 3: 12V ON but 10V OFF

I a” Ib”

I c”

Figure
RT = ((R1 + R2)//R3) + (R4 + R5)
= ((7 + 20)//10) + (12 + 15)
= (27//10) + 27

= ( 2727+×1010 ) + 27
= 34.30Ω

12
IT =
34.30

= 0.35A = Ib”

By using current divider method,

27
Ic” = ( 27+10 )× I T

= 0.73 ×0.35
= 0.256A

10
Ia” = ( 27+10 )× I T

= 0.27 × 0.35
= 0.095A
Step 4: Superimposing the related currents
From step 1, Ic
From step 2, Ic’
From step 3, Ic”

The same direction is positive,

Ic’ = Ic’ + Ic”
= 0.211 + 0.256
= 0.467A
2. Find the current in the 1Ω resistor.

Figure

Solution:
Step 1: 4V source is acting alone.

I’

Figure

By using ohm’s law,

V
I’ =
R 1+ R 3

4
=
2+ 1
= 1.333A
Step 2: 3A source is acting alone.

I”

Figure
By using current divider rule,
2
I” = ×3
1+ 2
= 2A

Step 3: 1A source is acting alone.

I”’

Figure

By using current divider rule,

2
I” = ×1
1+ 2
= 0.667A
Step 4: Calculate current flow through 1Ω resistor.
I = I’ + I” + I”’
= 1.333 + 2 + 0.667
= 4A
3. Find the voltage at terminal AB.

Figure

Solution:
Step 1: 6V source is acting alone

VAB’

Figure

VAB’ = 6V
Step 2: 10V source is acting alone.

VAB”

Figure

VAB’’ = 10V

Step 3: 5A source is acting alone.

VAB”’

Figure 3.4

VAB”’ = 0V
Step 4: Calculate voltage terminal AB

VAB = VAB’ + VAB” + VAB”’

= 6 + 10 + 0
= 16V
4. Find the current through the 4Ω resistor.

Figure

Solution:
Step 1: 5A source is acting alone.

I’

Figure

By using current divider rule,

2
I’ = ×5
2+ 4
= 1.67A
Step 2: 2A source is acting alone

I”

Figure

By using current divider rule,

2
I’ = ×2
2+ 4
= 0.67A

Step 3: 6V source is acting alone.

I”’

Figure

Apply KVL to the mesh,

-2I”- 6 - 4I”’ =0
-2(0.67) - 6 - 4I”’ =0
I”’= -1.835A
Step 4: Calculate current flow through 4Ω resistor

I = I’ + I” + I”’
= 1.67 + 0.67 – 1.835
= 0.505A
5. Find the current through the 2Ω of the network in figure below.

Figure

Solution:
Step 1: 12V source is acting alone.

I’

Figure

By using ohm’s law,

V
I’ =
R 1+ R 2

12
=
2+ 4
= 2A
Step 2: 6V source is acting alone.

I”

Figure
By using ohm’s law,
V
I’ =
R 1+ R 2

6
=
2+ 4
= 1A

Step 3: 3A source is acting alone.

I”’

Figure
By using current divider rule,
4
I’” = ×3
2+ 4
= 2A

Step 4: Calculate current flow through 2Ω resistor.

I = I” + I”’- I’
=1+2–2
= 1A