Electric Circuits

Lecture Notes
By

Mohamed-Yahia Dabbagh

Winter 2021

Note: All rights for these lecture notes are reserved by the author. The lecture notes
are intended for the exclusive use and learning purposes by teaching assistants and
students who are enrolled in the course ECE 140 at the University of Waterloo.
Distribution of these lecture notes in any form is not allowed.

© M.-Y. Dabbagh
Chapter 2
Basic Circuit Laws and Resistive Circuits

There are two kinds of laws that form the foundation of electric circuit analysis.
Element laws give the relation of the voltage and/or current for each circuit element,
such as a voltage source, a current source, or a resistor. Network laws are related to
the topology of the circuit, i.e. how the circuit elements are connected. Network
laws include Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL).

2.1 Resistors and Ohm’s Law

The flow of an electric current through a physical element encounters resistance,
denoted by the symbol 𝑅. This resistance results in a voltage drop across the element
due to the loss of potential of charges, and results in the conversion of electric energy
into heat. The resistance depends on the material type, its physical dimensions, and
the temperature.

The ideal circuit element that is used to model the current-resisting behaviour of a
material is the resistor. The circuit symbol for the resistor is shown below, where 𝑅
is the resistance.

+ 𝑖

𝑣 𝑅
−

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-1

Ohm’s Law states that the voltage 𝑣 across a resistor is proportional to the current
𝑖 through the resistor, and the constant of proportionality is the resistance 𝑅, i.e.

𝑣 = 𝑅𝑖

where 𝑅 is a positive constant and measured in ohms, designated by Ω. Notice that

1V
1Ω= .
1A

Remark: Notice that the voltage and current of the resistor must comply with the
passive sign convention (PSC), as shown in above figure. If the current direction is
from the negative side to the positive side of the voltage, Ohm’s law is 𝑣 = −𝑅𝑖.

Remark: As shown in the figure below, when 𝑅 = 0, the resistor is equivalent to

a short circuit, since 𝑣 = 𝑅𝑖 = 0; and when 𝑅 → ∞, the resistor is equivalent to an
𝑣
open circuit, since 𝑖 = → 0.
𝑅

+ 𝑖 + 𝑖 + 𝑖 + 𝑖=0
𝑣 𝑅=0 ≡ 𝑣=0 𝑣 𝑅→∞ ≡ 𝑣
− − − −

(Short (Open

Absorbed Power by Resistor

The power absorbed by a resistor is given by:

2
𝑣2
𝑝 = 𝑣𝑖 = 𝑅𝑖 =
𝑅

Since 𝑅 ≥ 0, then 𝑝 ≥ 0. Therefore, a resistor always absorb power. The electric

power/energy is dissipated by the resistor as a heat power/energy.

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-2

Remark: A practical physical resistor is characterized by two values: its resistance
𝑅 and its power rating 𝑝𝑚𝑎𝑥 . Therefore, a circuit designer engineer must ensure the
power absorbed by every resistor in a circuit satisfies 𝑝 < 𝑝𝑚𝑎𝑥 .

Conductance

The conductance of a resistor, denoted by 𝐺, is defined as the reciprocal of the

resistance, i.e.

1
𝐺=
𝑅

The unit for the conductance is Siemens (S), sometimes denoted by Ω−1 .

Ohms’law and the power for a conductance are given by:

𝑖
𝑣= or 𝑖 = 𝐺𝑣
𝐺

𝑖2
𝑝 = 𝑣𝑖 = = 𝐺𝑣 2
𝐺

Example
For the circuit shown below, find the current, voltage, and power for every element.

𝑖 + 𝑖𝑅
+
𝑣 = 12 V 𝑣𝑅 𝑅 =4Ω
−
−

Solution

Since the voltage source and the resistor are connected in parallel, 𝑣𝑅 = 𝑣 = 12 V.

By Ohm’s law on the resistor:

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-3

 𝑣𝑅 12 V
𝑖𝑅 = = =3A
𝑅 4Ω

Since the two elements are also connected in series, 𝑖 = 𝑖𝑅 = 3 A.

The absorbed power by the resistor is 𝑝𝑅 = 𝑣𝑅 𝑖𝑅 = (12 V)(3 A) = 36 W. This can

2 (12)2
𝑣𝑅
also be computed from 𝑝𝑅 = 𝑅𝑖𝑅2 = 4 × (3)2 = 36 W or from 𝑝𝑅 = = =
𝑅 4

36 W.

The supplied power by the voltage source is 𝑝 = 𝑣𝑖 = (12 V)(3 A) = 36 W.

Notice that the absorbed power by the voltage source is 𝑝 = −𝑣𝑖 = −36 W.

Example
For the circuit shown below, find the voltages 𝑣1 and 𝑣2 , and the power supplied by
the current source.

𝑖 = 10 mA

+ +
𝑅1 = 2 kΩ 𝑣1 𝑣2 𝑅2 = 3 kΩ
− −

Solution

The current source and the resistors are connected in series. The current through 𝑅1
is 𝑖 = 10 mA; and by Ohm’s law:

𝑣1 = 𝑅1 𝑖 = (2 kΩ)(10 mA) = 20 V

The current through 𝑅2 is also 𝑖 = 10 mA; and by Ohm’s law:

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-4

 𝑣2 = −𝑅2 𝑖 = −(3 kΩ)(10 mA) = −30 V

Notice that 𝑅2 does not comply with PSC; therefore, a negative sign is included.

To find the supplied power by the current source, we find the absorbed power by the
resistors:

𝑝1 = 𝑣1 𝑖 = (20 V)(10 mA) = 200 mW

𝑝2 = −𝑣2 𝑖 = −(−30 V)(10 mA) = 300 mW

By the principle of conservation of power, the supplied power by the current source
is:

𝑝 = 𝑝1 + 𝑝2 = 200 + 300 = 500 mW

2.2 Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

Definition: A node is a point (or junction) in a circuit where two or more elements
are connected.

The circuit shown below has three nodes: A, B, and C.

𝐴 𝐵
e2
(𝑡)

e1 e3 e4

𝐶
(𝑡)

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-5

Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) states that the algebraic sum of all currents at any
node is zero, i.e.

∑ 𝑖𝑛 = 0
𝑛

The word “algebraic” means “if currents entering the node are taken to be positive
(+), then currents leaving the node must be taken as negative (-)” or vice versa.

Remark: KCL is based on the law of conservation of charge, which requires

charges entering a node must equal charges leaving the node.

The figure below shows a node with four currents. KCL at this node is given by:

𝑖1 + (−𝑖2 ) + 𝑖3 + (−𝑖4 ) = 0

or 𝑖1 − 𝑖2 + 𝑖3 − 𝑖4 = 0 (1)

𝑖1
𝑖2
𝑖4
𝑖3

Alternatively, taking currents entering the node to be negative (-) and currents
leaving the node to be positive (+), KCL at the node is:

−𝑖1 + 𝑖2 − 𝑖3 + 𝑖4 = 0 (2)

Notice that equation (2) is equivalent to equation (1) with a multiplication by -1.

Another statement of KCL is:

∑ 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 = ∑ 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-6

For the node shown above, this last statement of KCL is given by:

𝑖1 + 𝑖3 = 𝑖2 + 𝑖4 (3)

Notice that all three KCL equations in (1), (2), and (3) are valid and equivalent.

Example
For the circuit shown below, 𝑖1 = 3 A and 𝑖3 = 1 A. Find the currents 𝑖2 and 𝑖4 ?

𝑖2
𝐴 𝐵
e2

𝑖1 e1 𝑖3 e3 𝑖4 e4

Solution:
KCL at node A: +𝑖1 − 𝑖2 = 0 (1)

⟹ 𝑖2 = 𝑖1 = 3 A

KCL at node B: +𝑖2 − 𝑖3 − 𝑖4 = 0 (2)

⟹ 𝑖4 = 𝑖2 − 𝑖3 = 3 − 1 = 2 A

Remark: KCL at node C is +𝑖1 − 𝑖3 − 𝑖4 = 0. This KCL is not an independent

equation since it is the sum of above two KCLs. Therefore, it is not needed. In
general, a circuit with 𝑁 number of nodes has (𝑁 − 1) number of independent KCL
equations.

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-7

Remark: We notice from above example that the currents are equal for the
elements connected in series. This is always true. Therefore, in circuit analysis only
one current variable is used for all series elements. This will cut down on the number
of unknown currents and reduce the number of required KCL equations. In above
example, KCL at node A is eliminated.

2.3 Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

Definition: A loop is a closed path in a circuit in which no element is encountered
more than once.

Definition: A mesh is a loop that does not enclose another loop.

The circuit shown below has three loops (L1, L2, and L3) and two meshes (L1 and
L2).

𝐴 𝐵
e2

e1 e3 e4
L1 L2

L3 𝐶

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) states that the algebraic sum of all voltages around
any loop is zero, i.e.

∑ 𝑣𝑛 = 0
𝑛

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-8

The word “algebraic” means “if a voltage drop is taken to be positive (+), then a
voltage rise must be taken as negative (-)” or vice versa.

Definition: A voltage is called a voltage drop when you move from the positive (+)
side of the voltage to the negative (-) side of the voltage and it is called a voltage
rise when you move from the negative (-) side to the positive (+) side.

Remark: KVL is based on the law of conservation of energy, which requires the
net potential of a particle to be zero when it moves from a point to another point and
then comes back to the same first point.

Example
Write the three KVL equations for the circuit shown below.

+ 𝑣2 −
𝐴 𝐵
e2
+ + +
𝑣1 e1 e3 𝑣3 e4 𝑣4
L1 L2
− − −

L3 𝐶

KVL around loop L1: −𝑣1 + 𝑣2 + 𝑣3 = 0 (1)

KVL around loop L2: −𝑣3 + 𝑣4 = 0 (2)

KVL around loop L3: −𝑣1 + 𝑣2 + 𝑣4 = 0 (3)

Remark: Equation (3) is not independent since it is the sum of equations (1) and
(2). Therefore, it is not needed. In general, the number of independent KVL
equations in a circuit equals to the number of meshes.

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-9

Remark: We notice from above example that the voltages are equal for the
elements connected in parallel, 𝑣3 = 𝑣4 . This is always true. Therefore, in circuit
analysis only one voltage variable is used for all parallel elements. This will cut
down on the number of unknown voltages and reduce the number of required KVL
equations. In above example, KVL around L2 is eliminated.

Remark: Another statement of KVL is “The sum of voltage drops between two
nodes is the same regardless of the path that you take”. In above example, the
voltage drop from node A to node C, 𝑣1 , equal to the voltage drop from node A to
node B, 𝑣2 , plus the voltage drop from node B to node C, 𝑣3 . This can be written as
𝑣1 = 𝑣2 + 𝑣3 , which is similar to equation (1).

Example
For the circuit shown below, find the currents and voltages 𝑖1 , 𝑖2 , 𝑣1 and 𝑣2 .

𝑖1 𝑅1 = 4 Ω 𝐴
+ 𝑣1 − 𝑖2
+
+ 𝑅2 = 2 Ω 1A
14 V
− 𝑣2
L1
−

Solution:
For the four unknowns, we have the following four equations:

Ohm’s law on 𝑅1 : 𝑣1 = 𝑅1 𝑖1 = 4𝑖1 (1)

Ohm’s law on 𝑅2 : 𝑣2 = 𝑅2 𝑖2 = 2𝑖2 (2)

KVL around L1: −14 + 𝑣1 + 𝑣2 = 0 (3)

KCL at node A: −𝑖1 + 𝑖2 − 1 = 0 (4)

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-10

Solve the four equations, using substitution method:

Substitute equations (1) and (2) into (3):

4𝑖1 + 2𝑖2 = 14 (5)

From (4), 𝑖2 = 𝑖1 + 1, and substitute in (5):

4𝑖1 + 2(𝑖1 + 1) = 14

14 − 2
⟹ 𝑖1 = =2A
6
𝑖2 = 𝑖1 + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3 A

𝑣1 = 4 × 2 = 8 V , and 𝑣2 = 2 × 3 = 6 V

Example
For the circuit shown below, 𝑅1 = 2 Ω, 𝑅2 = 2 Ω, and 𝑅3 = 1 Ω. Find the currents
and voltages 𝑖1 , 𝑖2 , 𝑖3 , 𝑣1 , 𝑣2 , and 𝑣3 .

𝑖1 𝑅1 𝑅3 𝑖3
𝐴
+ 𝑣1 − 𝑖2 − 𝑣3 +
+
+ +
16 V 𝑣2 𝑅2 5V
− −
L1 0.1𝑣1 L2
−

Solution:
For the six unknown, we have three Ohm’s laws, two KVLs, and one KCL, as
follows:

Ohm’s law on 𝑅1 : 𝑣1 = 𝑅1 𝑖1 = 2𝑖1 (1)

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-11

Ohm’s law on 𝑅2 : 𝑣2 = 𝑅2 𝑖2 = 2𝑖2 (2)

Ohm’s law on 𝑅3 : 𝑣3 = 𝑅3 𝑖3 = 𝑖3 (3)

KVL around L1: −16 + 𝑣1 + 𝑣2 = 0

⟹ 2𝑖1 + 2𝑖2 = 16 (4)

KVL around L2: −𝑣2 − 𝑣3 + 5 = 0

⟹ 2𝑖2 + 𝑖3 = 5 (5)

KCL at node A: −𝑖1 + 0.1𝑣1 + 𝑖2 − 𝑖3 = 0

Since 𝑣1 = 2𝑖1 , ⟹ −0.8𝑖1 + 𝑖2 − 𝑖3 = 0 (6)

Solving the equations (4), (5), and (6), gives:

𝑖1 = 5 A, 𝑖2 = 3 A, 𝑖3 = −1 A

And, the voltages: 𝑣1 = 10 V, 𝑣2 = 6 V, 𝑣3 = −1 V

Remark: Notice that the (16 V) source supplies power, while the controlled current
source and the (5 V) source both absorb power. In general, in every circuit, there
must be at least one source supplying power.

Remark: The three basic laws (Ohm’s law, KCL, and KVL) are sufficient to solve
any resistive circuit. However, direct application of these laws is lengthy and tedious
most of the time, especially for large circuits. Therefore, in the rest of this chapter
and next chapter, short-cut techniques and systematic techniques are developed for
circuit analysis.

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-12

2.4 Equivalent Series and Parallel Resistors
Circuit elements are sometimes combined together to simplify the circuit, and
consequently simplify its analysis. In this section, we find the equivalent resistance
for resistors connected in series and resistors connected in parallel.

Equivalent Series Resistors

Two or more resistors can be connected in series. Below figure shows an example
of three resistors connected in series. Remember series elements have the same
current. Notice the voltage 𝑣 and the current 𝑖 must be the same in the original
circuit and the equivalent circuit.

A 𝑖 𝑅1 A 𝑖

+ + 𝑣1 − +
+
𝑣 𝑣2 𝑅2 ≡ 𝑣 𝑅𝑒𝑞
−
− − 𝑣3 + −

B 𝑅3 B

To find the equivalent resistance 𝑅𝑒𝑞 , we apply KVL and Ohm’s law. From the
original circuit:

𝑣 = 𝑣1 + 𝑣2 + 𝑣3 = 𝑅1 𝑖 + 𝑅2 𝑖 + 𝑅3 𝑖 = (𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 )𝑖 (1)

From the equivalent circuit: 𝑣 = 𝑅𝑒𝑞 𝑖 (2)

By comparing (1) and (2), we conclude:

𝑅𝑒𝑞 = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-13

This conclusion can be extended to any number of resistors connected in series.

Equivalent Parallel Resistors

Two or more resistors can be connected in parallel. Below figure shows an example
of three resistors connected in parallel. Remember parallel elements have the same
voltage. Notice the voltage 𝑣 and the current 𝑖 must be the same in the original
circuit and the equivalent circuit.

A 𝑖 A 𝑖

+ 𝑖1 𝑖2 𝑖3 +

𝑣 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 ≡ 𝑣 𝑅𝑒𝑞

− −
B B

To find the equivalent resistance 𝑅𝑒𝑞 , we apply KCL and Ohm’s law. From the
original circuit:

𝑣 𝑣 𝑣 1 1 1
𝑖 = 𝑖1 + 𝑖2 + 𝑖3 = + + =( + + )𝑣 (1)
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3

𝑣 1
From the equivalent circuit: 𝑖= =( ) 𝑣 (2)
𝑅𝑒𝑞 𝑅𝑒𝑞

By comparing (1) and (2), we conclude:

1 1 1 1
= + +
𝑅𝑒𝑞 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3

This relation can be written in terms of conductances as:

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-14

 𝐺𝑒𝑞 = 𝐺1 + 𝐺2 + 𝐺3

This conclusion can be extended to any number of resistors connected in parallel.

Remark: For the special case of two parallel resistors:

1 1 1 𝑅1 + 𝑅2
= + =
𝑅𝑒𝑞 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅1 𝑅2

𝑅1 𝑅2
which can be rewritten as: 𝑅𝑒𝑞 =
𝑅1 + 𝑅2

Remark: For the special case of a short circuit in parallel with a resistor, the short
𝑅1 𝑅2
is equivalent to a zero resistance. Therefore, 𝑅𝑒𝑞 = = 0, a short circuit, as
𝑅1 +𝑅2

shown below.

A A

𝑅1 𝑅2 = 0 ≡

B B

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-15

Example
For the circuit shown below, all resistances are in ohms.

B
A
2 4

1 6
3
D
C

(a) Find the equivalent resistance between the nodes A and C?

(b) Find the equivalent resistance between the nodes B and C?

Solution:
(a) First, pull out the nodes A and C, as shown in the figure below. Second, notice
the 4 Ω resistor is in parallel with a short, which are the equivalent of a short.
This makes the 6 Ω resistor and the 3 Ω resistor to be in parallel.

B
A A
2 2
3×6
𝑅𝑒𝑞 → 1 6 3 ≡ 𝑅𝑒𝑞 → 1 3+6
=2

C C

In the last equivalent circuit, the two 2 Ω resistors are in series, and they are in
parallel with the 1 Ω resistor. This gives the final answer:

1 × (2 + 2) 4
𝑅𝑒𝑞 = = Ω
1 + (2 + 2) 5

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-16

(b) Again, pull the nodes B and C, as shown in the figure below. The resistors 1 Ω
and 2 Ω are now in series.

A B

2
1 6 3

The equivalent resistance is:

3×2 6
𝑅𝑒𝑞 = (1 + 2) ‖ 6 ‖ 3 = 3 ‖ 2 = = Ω
3+2 5

Example
For the circuit shown below, find the equivalent resistance between the nodes A and
B.

20 Ω

30 Ω
8Ω
60 Ω

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-17

Solution:

It is not obvious which resistors are in series and which resistors are in parallel.
Therefore, it is recommended to redraw the circuit carefully, as shown below.

A
20 Ω

30 Ω 60 Ω
8Ω

Now, it is obvious the resistors 20 Ω and 30 Ω are in parallel, the result of which
20×30
= 12 Ω is in series with the 8 Ω resistor, and the result is in parallel with the
20+30

60 Ω resistor. Therefore, the equivalent resistance is:

20 × 60
𝑅𝑒𝑞 = (12 + 8) ‖ 60 = = 15 Ω
20 + 60

2.5 Voltage Division

Sometimes, a case arises where we have two or more resistors are connected in series
where we know the total voltage across all of them and we want to find the individual
voltage across each resistor. Voltage division relations provide a short-cut for this
without the computation of the current and applying Ohm’s law. Below figure
shows the case of three resistors in series.

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-18

 A 𝑖 𝑅1

+ + 𝑣1 −
+
𝑣 𝑣2 𝑅2
−
− + 𝑣3 −

B 𝑅3

𝑣
The current is given by: 𝑖=
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3

The individual voltages are (by Ohm’s law): 𝑣1 = 𝑅1 𝑖, 𝑣2 = 𝑅2 𝑖, and 𝑣3 = −𝑅3 𝑖.

By substituting the current, we get the following voltage divider relations:

𝑅1
𝑣1 = 𝑣
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3

𝑅2
𝑣2 = 𝑣
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3

𝑅3
𝑣3 = − 𝑣
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3

2.6 Current Division

Sometimes, a case arises where we have two or more resistors are connected in
parallel where we know the total current and we want to find the individual current
through each resistor. Current division relations provide a short-cut for this without

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-19

the computation of the voltage and applying Ohm’s law. Below figure shows the
case of three resistors in parallel.

A 𝑖
+ 𝑖1 𝑖2 𝑖3

𝑣 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3

−
B

For current divider relations, it is more convenient to use conductance rather than
resistance.

𝑖
The voltage is given by: 𝑣=
𝐺1 + 𝐺2 + 𝐺3

The individual currents are (by Ohm’s law): 𝑖1 = 𝐺1 𝑣, 𝑖2 = 𝐺2 𝑣, and 𝑖3 = −𝐺3 𝑣.

By substituting the voltage, we get the following current divider relations:

𝐺1
𝑖1 = 𝑖
𝐺1 + 𝐺2 + 𝐺3

𝐺2
𝑖2 = 𝑖
𝐺1 + 𝐺2 + 𝐺3

𝐺3
𝑖3 = − 𝑖
𝐺1 + 𝐺2 + 𝐺3

Remark: For the special case of two resistors in parallel, current divider relations
can be written in term of resistances, as follows:

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-20

 1
𝐺1 𝑅1 𝑅2
𝑖1 = 𝑖= 𝑖= 𝑖
𝐺1 + 𝐺2 1 1 𝑅 + 𝑅
+ 1 2
𝑅1 𝑅2

𝑅1
𝑖2 = 𝑖
𝑅1 + 𝑅2

2.7 Series and Parallel Connections of Sources

Voltage sources can be connected in series, while the parallel connection is invalid.
Below figures show the equivalents of possible series voltage sources.

𝑣1 𝑣2 𝑣 = 𝑣1 + 𝑣2
𝐴 𝐵 𝐴 𝐵
+ − + − ≡ + −

𝑣1 𝑣2 𝑣 = 𝑣1 − 𝑣2
𝐴 𝐵 ≡ 𝐴 𝐵
+ − − + + −

Current sources can be connected in parallel, while the series connection is invalid.
Below figures show the equivalents of possible parallel current sources.

𝐴 𝐴

𝑖1 𝑖2 ≡ 𝑖 = 𝑖1 + 𝑖2

𝐵 𝐵

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-21

 𝐴 𝐴

𝑖1 𝑖2 ≡ 𝑖 = 𝑖1 − 𝑖2

𝐵 𝐵

Example
For the circuit shown below, find the currents 𝑖1 , 𝑖2 , 𝑖3 , and the voltage 𝑣?

𝑖1 2Ω

𝑖2 + 𝑖3
+
100 V 8Ω 𝑣 56 Ω
− 20 V
1Ω + − −

Solution:

The voltage sources are in series, and the equivalent is 𝑣𝑒𝑞 = 100 − 20 = 80 V.
The resistors 1 Ω and 2 Ω are in series, and the equivalent is 𝑅𝑠 = 1 + 2 = 3 Ω. The
8×56
resistors 8 Ω and 56 Ω are in parallel, and the equivalent is 𝑅𝑝 = = 7 Ω. The
8+56

simplified equivalent circuit is shown below.

𝑖1 3Ω
+
+ 𝑣 7Ω
80 V
−
−

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-22

 80
From the equivalent circuit: 𝑖1 = =8𝐴
3+7

7
By voltage division: 𝑣= × 80 = 56 V
3+7

From the original circuit, and by using current division:

56
𝑖2 = ×8=7A
8 + 56

8
𝑖3 = ×8=1A
8 + 56

Remark: The currents 𝑖2 and 𝑖3 can also be computed from Ohm’s low.

Example
For the circuit shown below, find the currents 𝑖1 , 𝑖2 , and 𝑖3 ?

4Ω

𝑖2 𝑖3
𝑖1
12 A 6Ω 3A 10 Ω 40 Ω

Solution:

The current sources are in parallel, and the equivalent is 𝑖𝑒𝑞 = 12 − 3 = 9 A. The
10×40
resistors 10 Ω and 40 Ω are in parallel, and the equivalent is 𝑅𝑝 = = 8 Ω,
10+40

which is in series with the 4 Ω resistor. The simplified equivalent circuit is shown
below.

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-23

 𝑖1
9A 6Ω 4 + 8 = 12 Ω

By current division:

6
𝑖1 = ×9=3A
6 + 12

From the original circuit, and by current division:

40
𝑖2 = × 3 = 2.4 A
10 + 40
10
𝑖3 = × 3 = 0.6 A
10 + 40

Remark: It should be noted that there are usually more than one way to compute a
current or a voltage. For example, the current 𝑖3 can also be computed from KCL,
after computing 𝑖1 and 𝑖2 .

© M.-Y. Dabbagh 2-24