3.

2 SUPERPOSITION THEOREM
network
The superp theorem states that in any linear
superposition containing
more sources, the response in any element is equal to the algebraic sum
aining two oR
of the sum
Tesponses caused by individual sources acting alone, while the othersourh
ces ate
non-operative; that is, while considering the effect of individual sourcesre
1deal voltage sources and idcal current sources in the network are otherby
are replaced
replaced
short circuit and open circuit across their terminals. This theorem
for linear systems. This theorem can be better understood with
em isis valido valid
th a numer
example.
numeri
Consider the circuit which contains two sources as shown in Fig. 3.7,
Now let us find the current
passing through the 3 2 resistoriin the cir circuit
According to superposition theorem, the current/, due to the 20 V/ voltage
voltage source
sour
with 5 A source
open circuited 20/(5 +3) 2.5=
A. (See Fig. 3.8)
52 10 52 10 2
- -

20 V *
3Q
(5A 20 2 3Q

Fig. 3.7
Fig. 3.8
The current I due to 5 A
source with 20 V source
short circuited is
5
Is 5x = 3.125 A

(3+5)
The total current
passing through the 3 2 resistor is
Let us
(2.5+3.125) =5.625 A
verify the above result by
The current passing in the applying nodal analysis.
32resistor due to both
Applying nodal analysis to Fig. 3.10, we have sources should be 5.625 A.

V-20
 Useful Theorems in Circuit
102
Analysis 15
5Q 102
V

3 2
5 sIs 5 A 20 V 32 5 A

Fig. 3.9
Flg. 3.10

V=9 x =16.875 V
8
The current passing through the 3 Q resistor is
equal to V/3
i.e. I 6.875
5.625 AA
3
So the superposition theorem is verified.
Let us now examine the pOwer responses.
Power dissipated in the 3 2 resistor due to voltage source acting alone
P20 (1, R = (2.5? 3 = 18.75 w
Power dissipated in the 3 2resistor due to current source acting alone
Ps (1,R =(3.125 3 29.29 W
Power dissipated in the 3 2 resistor when both the sources are acting
simultaneously is given by
P (5.625 x3 =
94.92 W
From the above results, the superposition of P20 and Ps gives
P20+ Ps =
48.04 W
which is not equal to P = 94.92 W

We can, therefore, state that the superposition theorem is not valid for power
responses. It is applicable only for computing voltage and current responses.