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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy
R1​ = 4 ΩIR1​R2​ = 10 Ω+−V1​18 VR3​2 ΩA+−V2​6 V

Use superposition to find the current IR1 through R1 in the direction of the arrow.

V1 = 18 VV2 = 6 VR1 = 4 ΩR2 = 10 ΩR3 = 2 Ω
IR1 = A
2.Easy
linear circuitV1​ = 9 VV2​ = 9 VIRL​

A linear resistive circuit contains two independent voltage sources, V1 = 9 V and V2 = 9 V. With both sources on, the current through the load resistor is I = 11 mA. With V2 switched off (replaced by a short circuit) and V1 unchanged, the load current is −5 mA. Find the load current I when V1 is raised to 18 V and V2 stays at 9 V.

I = 11 mA (both sources)I = −5 mA (only V1)
I = mA
3.Medium
R1​ = 20 ΩR3​ = 12 Ω+−V1​6 VR2​15 ΩIR2​AR4​15 ΩBIs​5 A

Use superposition to find the power PR2 absorbed by R2.

V1 = 6 VIs = 5 AR1 = 20 ΩR2 = 15 ΩR3 = 12 ΩR4 = 15 Ω
PR2 = W
4.Medium
R1​ = 6 ΩR3​ = 10 ΩIR3​+−V1​10 VR2​6 ΩAR4​8 ΩBIs​?

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

V1 = 10 VR1 = 6 ΩR2 = 6 ΩR3 = 10 ΩR4 = 8 Ω
Is = A
5.Hard
linear circuitV1​V2​Is​IRL​

A linear resistive circuit contains three independent sources: V1, V2 and Is. The current I through a load is measured three times. With all sources at their normal values, I = 19 mA. With V1 doubled and the other two unchanged, I = 30 mA. With the direction of Is reversed and the other two unchanged, I = 23 mA. Find the load current I when V2 is switched off and V1 and Is have their normal values.

normal: I = 19 mA2·V1: I = 30 mA−Is: I = 23 mA
I = mA
6.Hard
R1​ = 30 ΩR2​ = 8 ΩR4​ = 15 ΩIR4​+−V1​10 VR3​30 ΩAIs​0.5 AB+−V2​10 V

Use superposition to find the current IR4 through R4 in the direction of the arrow.

V1 = 10 VIs = 0.5 AV2 = 10 VR1 = 30 ΩR2 = 8 ΩR3 = 30 ΩR4 = 15 Ω
IR4 = A

Answer key

  1. 1. IR1 = 3 A
  2. 2. I = 6 mA
  3. 3. PR2 = 26.73 W
  4. 4. Is = 0.625 A
  5. 5. I = 9 mA
  6. 6. IR4 = −0.1711 A

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.