Superposition worksheet with answers

Free printable Superposition worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy
linear circuitV1​ = 20 VV2​ = 10 VIRL​

A linear resistive circuit contains two independent voltage sources, V1 = 20 V and V2 = 10 V. With both sources on, the current through the load resistor is I = 8 mA. With V2 switched off (replaced by a short circuit) and V1 unchanged, the load current is 10.5 mA. Find the load current I when V1 is switched off and only V2 = 10 V is active.

I = 8 mA (both sources)I = 10.5 mA (only V1)
I = mA
2.Easy
linear circuitV1​ = 5 VV2​ = 9 VIRL​

A linear resistive circuit contains two independent voltage sources, V1 = 5 V and V2 = 9 V. With both sources on, the current through the load resistor is I = 35 mA. With V2 switched off (replaced by a short circuit) and V1 unchanged, the load current is 16.5 mA. Find the load current I when V1 is switched off and only V2 = 9 V is active.

I = 35 mA (both sources)I = 16.5 mA (only V1)
I = mA
3.Medium
R1​ = 6 ΩR3​ = 2 ΩIR3​+−V1​12 VR2​12 ΩAR4​15 ΩBIs​?

Find the value of the current source Is (direction as shown) that makes the current IR3 through R3 equal to zero.

V1 = 12 VR1 = 6 ΩR2 = 12 ΩR3 = 2 ΩR4 = 15 Ω
Is = A
4.Medium
R1​ = 8 ΩR3​ = 8 Ω+−V1​30 VR2​12 ΩIR2​AR4​6 ΩBIs​1.5 A

Use superposition to find the power PR2 absorbed by R2.

V1 = 30 VIs = 1.5 AR1 = 8 ΩR2 = 12 ΩR3 = 8 ΩR4 = 6 Ω
PR2 = W
5.Hard
R1​ = 3 ΩR2​ = 5 ΩR4​ = 30 Ω+−V1​10 VR3​3 Ω+−VR3​AIs​3 AB−+V2​15 V

Use superposition to find the voltage VR3 across R3 with the polarity shown.

V1 = 10 VIs = 3 AV2 = 15 VR1 = 3 ΩR2 = 5 ΩR3 = 3 ΩR4 = 30 Ω
VR3 = V
6.Hard
R1​ = 8 ΩR2​ = 2 Ω−+VR2​R4​ = 6 Ω+−V1​12 VR3​25 ΩAIs​1.5 AB+−V2​9 V

Use superposition to find the voltage VR2 across R2 with the polarity shown.

V1 = 12 VIs = 1.5 AV2 = 9 VR1 = 8 ΩR2 = 2 ΩR3 = 25 ΩR4 = 6 Ω
VR2 = V

Answer key

  1. 1. I = −2.5 mA
  2. 2. I = 18.5 mA
  3. 3. Is = 0.5333 A
  4. 4. PR2 = 20.55 W
  5. 5. VR3 = 7.877 V
  6. 6. VR2 = 1.267 V

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