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Thevenin's theorem

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Objective

Replace a network by Vth in series with Rth and show the load sees the same voltage.

Procedure

  1. Run and note the load voltage across R4.
  2. Change R4 and check VL = 8·RL/(1166.7+RL).

Theory

Looking back from the load: Vth = 12 V · 2k/(1k+2k) = 8 V and Rth = (1k ∥ 2k) + 500 Ω = 1.1667 kΩ. The load voltage is Vth·RL/(Rth+RL) = 3.692 V.

Questions to answer

  1. Why is Rth found with the source shorted?

Components used

Battery / DC source, 4 × Resistor 220 ohm 1/4W

About the model

Ideal wires; component models as listed in the catalogue (no parasitics, no temperature drift). Built without a breadboard so the schematic stays readable.

Open this experiment in the circuit simulator

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