Problem 3.

78 Obtain the Thévenin equivalent of the circuit to the left of terminals

(a, b) in Fig. P3.78. Use your result to compute the power dissipated in the 0.4-Ω
load resistor.
1A

3Ω a

2Ω 4Ω 4Ω
1A
0.4 Ω
+
_ 2V
b
3Ω

Figure P3.78: Circuit of Problem 3.78.

Solution:
1A

3Ω VA a
VB

2Ω 4Ω 4Ω
1A
VC +
_ 2V
b
3Ω

Fig. P3.78 (a)

Thévenin Voltage
Nodal analysis gives:
VA −VB VA − 2 VA
+ −1+ =0
3 4 4
VB −VA VB −VC
+1+ =0
3 2
VC −VB VC
+1+ =0
3 3
Solution gives
4 −5
VA = V, VB = V,
5 2
−27
VC = V.
10
4
VTh = VA = V.
5

All rights reserved. Do not reproduce or distribute. 2013

c National Technology and Science Press
Thévenin Resistance
Suppressing sources, the circuit becomes

a
3Ω
2Ω 4Ω 4Ω

RTh = 8 || 4 || 4
= 1.6 Ω
b
3Ω

Fig. P3.78 (b)

Power through 0.4-Ω resistor:

1.6 Ω a

+
0.8 V _ 0.4 Ω

Fig. P3.78 (c)

 2
0.8
P= × 0.4 = 0.064 W = 64 mW.
1.6 + 0.4

All rights reserved. Do not reproduce or distribute. 2013

c National Technology and Science Press