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The superposition theorem states that, for any linear and bilateral electrical circuits containing two or more independent sources, the overall response of an element in the circuit due to all the sources will be equal to the algebraic sum of the responses of the same element due to individual sources at a time.
- The value of the current source is set to infinite while removing it.
- This can be done by using an open circuit in place of the current source.
- The value of the voltage source is set to zero while removing it.
- This can be done by using a closed circuit in place of the voltage source.
- The superposition theorem is used to convert any circuit into its Norton or Thevenin equivalent.
- The superposition theorem can be applied to linear networks containing two or more sources.
Very Short Answers Questions [1 Mark Questions]
Ques. The superposition theorem is valid for
- Non-linear circuits
- Linear circuits
- Both linear and non-linear circuits
- None of the above
Ans. The correct answer is b. Linear circuits
Explanation: The superposition theorem is not applicable for non-linear circuits, it is only applicable for linear bilateral circuits.
Ques. The superposition theorem converts the circuit into
- Norton equivalent circuit
- Thevenin equivalent circuit
- Both Norton and Thevenin equivalent circuits
- None of the above
Ans. The correct answer is c. Both Norton and Thevenin equivalent circuits
Explanation: The superposition theorem is used in converting any circuit into Thevenin equivalent or Norton equivalent.
Ques. When removing a current source, its value is set to infinite. This is done by replacing the current source
- Short circuit
- Light bulb
- Open circuit
- Resistor
Ans. The correct answer is c. Open circuit.
Explanation: By replacing the current source with an open circuit, the value of a current source is set to zero
Ques. When removing a voltage source, its value is set to zero. This is done by replacing the voltage source
- Short circuit
- Light bulb
- Open circuit
- Resistor
Ans. The correct answer is a. Short circuit.
Explanation: By replacing the voltage source with a short circuit, the value of a voltage source is set to zero.
Ques. For applying the superposition theorem, we need
- Only one source
- Two or more sources
- No sources
- None of the above
Ans. The correct answer is b. Two or more sources
Explanation: The superposition theorem can be applied to a circuit containing two or more sources.
Short Answers Questions [2 Marks Questions]
Ques. State superposition theorem.
Ans. According to the superposition theorem, for any linear and bilateral circuits containing two or more independent sources, the overall response of an element in the circuit due to all the sources will be equal to the algebraic sum of the responses due to each source at a time.
Ques. Is the superposition theorem applicable to power?
Ans. According to the required linearity, the superposition theorem only applies to the determination of voltage and current, but not to power. When only one source is considered at a time, power dissipation is a nonlinear function that does not algebraically add to an accurate total.
Ques. Can we apply the superposition theorem on an AC circuit?
Ans. When applying the superposition theorem to the AC circuit, the highest value of each source's contribution or the complex affective factor shall be calculated individually first, followed by the sum of the results. Therefore, it is possible to apply a superposition theorem on AC circuits for the demonstration of this theorem using any linear circuit.
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Long Answers Questions [3 Marks Questions]
Ques. How do you solve a circuit using the superposition theorem?
Ans. To solve a circuit using the superposition theorem, the following steps can be taken
- First, we have to choose one source among the given multiple sources in the bilateral network.
- All the other sources are replaced by their internal resistance except the chosen one.
- Now find the current flowing through or voltage across a particular element in the circuit.
- The same process is repeated for every source present in the circuit.
- After obtaining the responses from individual sources i.e. current or voltage across a particular element, the values will be added to get the overall voltage drop or current through the circuit element.
Ques. What is the difference between Linear circuits and Non-linear circuits?
Ans. An electrical circuit in which the circuit parameters like resistance, capacitance, inductance, etc. are constant or not changed with respect to current and voltage is known as a Linear circuit.
An electrical circuit in which the circuit parameters like resistance, capacitance, inductance, etc. are not constant or changed with respect to current and voltage is known as a Non-linear circuit.
Ques. What are the differences between an open circuit and a closed circuit?
Ans. The following are the differences between an open circuit and a closed circuit
| Open Circuit | Closed Circuit |
|---|---|
| The path of the open circuit is not closed and continuous. | The path of the closed circuit is closed and continuous. |
| In an open circuit, the electric current doesn’t flow. | In a closed circuit, the electric current can flow. |
| An open key in a circuit represents, the circuit is open. | A closed key in a circuit represents, the circuit is closed. |
Very Long Answers Questions [5 Marks Questions]
Ques. What are the limitations of the Superposition Theorem?
Ans. The followings are the limitations of the superposition theorem
- This theorem is not applicable to non-linear circuits, and only applicable to linear circuits.
- This theorem cannot be applied when the circuit contains dependent sources.
- In complex network circuits having a large number of sources, applying the superposition theorem can become difficult due to the larger number of combinations.
- To determine the values of energy or power in a circuit, the superposition theorem cannot be used.
- The Superposition Theorem may cause inaccuracies in circuits involving mutual inductance.
Ques. What are the applications of the Superposition theorem?
Ans. The applications of the Superposition theorem are
- It is used in converting any circuit into Thevenin equivalent or Norton equivalent.
- It helps to analyze complex circuits more efficiently.
- Using the Superposition Theorem, electronic circuit designers can determine the effect of independent sources on their circuit behavior separately, allowing them to optimize their circuit performance.
- It is used to identify the impact of different input signals on the output in audio and signal processing.
- In linear control systems, the Superposition Theorem allows engineers to understand the overall behavior of a system by analyzing its response to individual inputs.
Ques. A circuit has three independent sources, two voltage sources of 12 volts and 6 volts respectively, and a current source of 4 amperes. Using the superposition theorem calculate the total current flowing through a 10-ohm resistor.
Ans. Given
- The value of the first voltage source, V1 = 12 V
- The value of the second voltage source, V2 = 6 V
- The value of the current source, I = 4 A
Considering the 12 V voltage source, and neglecting the current source and another voltage source of 6 V, the current through a 10 Ω resistor will be given by using Ohm’s law
I1 = V1/R = 12/10 = 1.2 A
Now considering the current source only and neglecting the other two voltage sources, the current through a 10 Ω resistor is given by
I2 = 4 A
Considering the 6 V voltage source, and neglecting the current source and another voltage source of 12 V, the current through a 10 Ω resistor will be given by using Ohm’s law
I3 = V2/R = 6/10 = 0.6 A
Applying the Superposition Theorem the net current flowing through 10 Ω resistors is given by the sum of current through individual sources i.e.
Total current = I1 + I2 + I3 = 1.2 + 4 + 0.6 = 5.8 A
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