Question

Consider the circuit shown in the figure.

• A. The current in the 5 Ω resistor is 2A
• B. The current in the 5 Ω resistor is 1A
• C. The potential difference VA - Ve is 8V
• D. The potential difference VA-VB is -5V

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The potential difference VA - Ve is 8V

Answer 2

We interpret the circuit diagram and apply nodal analysis. We set the potential at the positive terminal of the battery to 28V and the negative terminal to 0V. We write down the current conservation equations at nodes A, B, and C, assuming the connections as interpreted from the diagram. We solve the system of linear equations for the potentials at A, B, and C. We find that the potential difference $V_A - V_B$ is 8V.