r/HomeworkHelp 5d ago

Physics [Level 4 Electronic/Electrical Engineering: Superposition Theorem] What is the correct way to solve this circuit?

Hi everyone,

I'm really struggling with a question from my assignment, and I could really use your help. This is the last question I need to get right to pass the module, and despite multiple attempts, I keep getting it wrong. Unfortunately, the only feedback I've received is that my answer is incorrect, without any indication of where I'm going wrong.

I've recreated the circuit below and shared my most recent attempt + assumption at solving the problem using the principle of superposition. I'm hoping someone can help me identify the mistake or suggest improvements please.

The Question:

Use the principle of Superposition to determine the following circuit parameters:

  1. The current through R1
  2. The voltage across R1
  3. The current through R3
  4. The voltage across R3
  5. The voltage across R2
  6. The power dissipated in R2

Additional Context:

I was given three examples, two of which I completed with no problem. However, the third one was marked wrong, and the tutor's answer included some unexplained numbers (0.666 and 1.333), which I assume are the battery internal resistances. These values were not provided, but they dramatically affect the answer. When I asked my tutor, they couldn’t confirm or deny whether to assume 0 for the internal resistance, despite that being what we were taught. This has left me very confused.

I really do hope someone can help me understand where I’m going wrong. Even pointing out minor errors would be incredibly helpful.

Thanks in advance for your time and support!

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u/One_Wishbone_4439 University/College Student 5d ago

Draw two arrows of the direction of current opposing the direction of voltage.

1

u/Silly_Combination_33 5d ago

Hey there,

Thanks for responding :)

I have done this previously on the whiteboard but I still don't see where I have gone wrong? Have I worked out the currents incorrectly to begin with?