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In brief, we can calculate the effect of one source at a time and then

superimpose the results of all sources.


As a definition, the superposition theorem states:

“In a network with two or more sources, the current or voltage for
any component is the algebraic sum of the effects produced by each
source acting separately.”

To use one source at a time, all other sources are “killed” temporarily.
This means disabling the source so that it cannot generate voltage or
current without changing the resistance of the circuit.

A voltage source such as a battery is killed by assuming a short


circuit across its potential difference.
A current source is killed by assuming a Open circuit across it.
Note: The internal resistance remains.
Figure 1: voltage polarities Figure 2: voltage polarities
and direction of current w.r.t B1 and direction of current w.r.t B2
Figure 1: Voltage and current w.r.t B1 Figure 2: Voltage and current w.r.t B2
Resistance Voltage Current Resistance Voltage Current
R1 24V 6A R1 4V 1A
R1 is in series to combination R2||R3 R2 4V 2A
R2 4V 2A R3 is in series to combination R1||R2
R3 4V 4A R3 3V 3A

Total Resistance 4.66667 Ω Total Resistance 2.33 Ω


Total Applied Voltage 24 V Total Applied Voltage 7V
Total Current 6A Total Current 3A
Resistor Voltage Voltage Sum of Current Current Sum of
due to B1 due to B2 Voltage Due to B1 Due to B2 Current
R1 +24 V -4 V +20 V +6 -1 +5
R2 +4 V +4 V +8 V +2 +2 +4
R3 +4 V -3V +1 V +4 -3 +1
B1 B2

R1 R2
R3

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