Electronics Engineering (ELEX) Board Practice Exam

What are the values of the currents I₁ and I₂ flowing in the first and second mesh respectively?

1. 0.80 A, 1.20 A

2. 0.96 A, -1.73 A

3. -0.50 A, 0.50 A

4. 1.50 A, -2.00 A

The correct answer is: 0.96 A, -1.73 A

To determine the values of the currents I₁ and I₂ in the given mesh circuits, we typically apply techniques such as Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL), which states that the sum of the electromotive forces and potential drops in any closed circuit must equal zero. In this problem, the currents I₁ and I₂ represent the currents in two separate meshes; therefore, their values can be derived from the relationships established by the circuit components (such as resistors, voltage sources, etc.) present in the meshes. The outcome that results in currents of 0.96 A for I₁ and -1.73 A for I₂ indicates that I₁ is flowing in the expected direction, while I₂ is flowing in the opposite direction to its assumed positive direction. This negative value for I₂ typically signifies that the current is actually flowing in the reverse direction of what was initially considered during the analysis. The calculated currents must satisfy all loop equations, which require a careful balance of applied voltages and resistive drops according to Ohm's Law. In practice, arriving at this solution involves numerical calculations based on the resistances and the voltage sources in the circuit. Thus, the values identified as 0.