WEEK 4- ELECTRICAL

Overview of Circuit Analysis

In this session, we delve into various fundamental concepts of circuit analysis, specifically focusing on series and parallel circuits, Kirchhoff's laws, and their application to alternating current (AC) circuits. We also prepare for an upcoming quiz and clarify important topics outlined in the course syllabus.

Key Concepts Discussed

Series and Parallel Circuits

Parallel Circuits: In parallel circuits, components are connected across the same voltage level. We often analyze these circuits using Kirchhoff's current law, which states that the total current entering a junction is equal to the total current leaving.
Series Circuits: Components are connected in a single path, and the current remains the same across each component, leading to the use of Kirchhoff's voltage law to find the total voltage across the circuit.
We emphasized simplifying complex circuits by recognizing series and parallel relationships, which will be crucial for upcoming assessments.

Kirchhoff's Laws and Ohm's Law

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL): The sum of the electrical potential differences (voltages) around any closed network is zero.
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL): The sum of currents entering a junction must equal the sum of currents leaving the junction.
Ohm's Law: V = I x R, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance, is fundamental in analyzing both series and parallel circuits.

Quiz Information

A quiz is scheduled for next week on 03/13/2025, starting on Thursday and closing on Friday. Students will have approximately 24 hours to complete it. This quiz is worth 5% of the total course mark.

Circuit Analysis Techniques

Finding Impedances and Currents

Reactance and Impedance: The discussion of reactance (capacitive and inductive) is crucial. We explored the calculations for total impedance in series and parallel combinations. For capacitors in parallel, the total capacitance is the sum of individual capacitances, while for resistors in parallel, the total resistance can be calculated using the formula: 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2.
Example Problem Solution: We worked through examples, solving for total impedance in circuits, applying values of voltage and current as derived from the circuit structure. The importance of phase angles was repeatedly stressed, especially in AC analysis.

Voltage and Current Calculations

We analyzed how to find current through each component using the voltage divider rule and the current divider rule. From the overall supply current, we mathematically split the current into individual components based on their respective impedances. Key to this process was maintaining notation for angles in polar form, as all calculations dealt with both magnitudes and phase angles.

Practical Application

Assignments require students to apply these concepts to real-world electrical engineering problems. Encouragement was given to practice these calculations individually to reinforce learning.

Conclusion

The session concluded with a reminder that understanding these concepts, both theoretically and in practice, is essential for success in circuit analysis. Students were advised to seek assistance whenever necessary and prepare adequately for the quiz. By mastering these topics, students would not only perform well on assessments but also build a strong foundation for future engineering courses.