Branch Current Analysis Example Using Current Source

Branch current analysis enables us to determine the current flowing through any branch of a circuit. Today you'll learn the application of Branch current analysis to a circuit comprising voltage and the current source.

Statement and circuit diagram:

Step 1: Apply Kirchhoff's voltage law to the loop adc

10 V = 6 I₂ + 5 I₃ ...  (1)

Step 2: Apply KVL to the loop abd
1 V + 5 I₃ = 10 I₄ ...  (2)

Step 3: Apply Kirchhoff's current law to node a
I₂ = I₃ + I₄ + 5 A.. (3)

Solving the three equations we obtain our final answers:
I₂ = 2.893 A
I₃ = - 1.471 A
I₄ = -0.63 A
Negative sign with current I₃ indicates that actual current flow is opposite to our assumed direction of the current.