Lab#12

Superstition Theorem

In Lab:-

Objectives:-
To verify the superposition theorem experimentally for resistances and to verify that superposition
theorem does not apply to power.

Equipment Required:-
Resistors, DMM, Breadboard, DC Power Supply, Connecting wires

Procedure:-

First theoretically calculate the voltage across and current through the 10kΩ resistance R2 (Fig. 12.1)
using superposition. Let v = v1 + v2 and i = i1 +i2. Record the calculated values in Table 12.1.

Circuit to test the validity of the superposition theorem

Construct the circuit on breadboard as shown in Fig. 12.1. Measure the voltage across and current through
the 10kΩ resistance R2. Turn off the power whenever move wires in the circuit. Record the voltage (v)
and current (i) values in Table 12.2. Next we find voltage across 10kΩ resistor and current through it
separately due to individual voltage sources in order to verify the superposition theorem. Replace the 5V
source with a short circuit and leave the 10V source intact. The resultant circuit is shown in Fig. 12.2.
Measure the voltage across and current through the 10kΩ resistance R2. Record the voltage (v1) and
current (i1) values in Table 12.1.

The circuit with only 10V source considered

Replace the 10V source with a short circuit and leave the 5V source intact. The resultant circuit is shown
in Fig. 12.3. Measure the voltage across and current through the 10kΩ resistance R2. Record the voltage
(v2) and current (i2) values in Table 12.1.

The circuit with only 5V source considered

Compare the calculated and measured values.
Repeat this process for 100kΩ resistor and write the values in the table 12.1

Measurement Tables 1
R2=10KΩ R4=100KΩ
Voltage /
Calculated Measured Simulation Calculated Measured Simulation
Current
results results results results results results

V1 = 4.35V 5.06V 5V 10V 11.8V 10V

V2 = 2.14V 2.11V 2.5V 5V 4.93V 5V

V = 6.43V 6.48V 7.5V 15V 15V 15V

I1 = 0.42mA 0.53mA 0.42mA 0.1mA 0.12mA 0.2mA

I2 = 0.21mA 0.21mA 0.23mA 0.05mA 0.05mA 0.05mA

I = 0.63mA 0.63mA 0.64mA 0.05mA 0.05mA 0.05mA

Table 12.1

Post Lab

Questions:-
1. The Superposition Theorem works nicely to calculate voltages and currents in
resistor circuits. But can it be used to calculate power dissipations as well? Why or
why not?
Ans: Power through the resistor is not equal to the sum of power dissipation through the
resistor when each source acts individually. Hence, Superposition theorem does not work
for power as it works for voltage and current.

2. What advantages and disadvantages are associated with Superposition Theorem?

Ans: Advantages:
It is applicable to the elements of the network as well as to the sources. It is very useful
for circuit analysis. It is utilized to convert any circuit into its Thevenin equivalent or
Norton’s equivalent.
Disadvantages:
Superposition is applicable to current and voltage but not to power. It cannot be used for
unbalanced bridge circuits.
 3. How are dependent voltage and current sources dealt with when using
Superposition Theorem?
Ans: When using superposition theorem dependent sources are left intact because they
are controlled by source variables.

4. What is power rating of resistor? A resistor sometimes becomes hot while connected
in the circuit. What can be the reason for this?

Ans: POWER RATING OF RESISTOR:

When an electric current passes through a resistor due to the presence of a voltage across
it, electric energy lost by the resistor in the form of heat and the greater this current flow
the hotter the resistor will get. This is known as resistor rating power.
Because of the greater current flow through the resistor the resistor become hot.

Critical Analysis:-
In this lab we learn that superposition theorem is not valid for power it is just valid for current and
voltage. We had verified superposition theorem experimentally and compare the values with
calculated and simulated values.