Chapter 3: Network Theorems Vocab

Node Analysis

A circuit-analysis method that uses node voltages as the main unknowns.

Node Voltage

The voltage between a node and the reference node

Reference Node

The node chosen as the zero-volt point for all voltage measurements.

Ground

The reference node defined as zero volts.

Floating Voltage Source

A voltage source with neither terminal connected to ground.

Back-Solve

Finding branch voltages or currents after solving for the main circuit variables.

Linear Network

A network whose response follows proportionality and addition.

Superposition Theorem

A method that adds the separate effects of each independent source in a linear circuit.

Source Deactivation

Setting an independent source to zero while using superposition.

Thevenin Equivalent

A voltage source in series with a resistor that replaces a linear two-terminal network.

Thevenin Voltage

The open-circuit terminal voltage of a network.

Thevenin Resistance

The resistance seen at a network’s terminals after internal independent sources are turned off.

Open-Circuit Voltage

Voltage measured across two terminals when no current flows between them.

Norton Equivalent

A current source in parallel with a resistor that replaces a linear two-terminal network.

Norton Current

The current through a short circuit placed across a network’s output terminals.

Short-Circuit Current

The current that flows when two terminals are connected by an ideal wire.

Equivalent Resistance

The single resistance that has the same outside behavior as a network.

Loop Analysis

A circuit-analysis method that uses currents flowing around loops as the main unknowns.

Loop Current

An assumed current assigned to flow around a circuit loop.