In superposition, how do you handle multiple independent sources? Which sequence is correct?

In superposition, how do you handle multiple independent sources? Which sequence is correct?

• A. Solve the circuit with all sources on, then separate contributions by subtraction.
• B. Turn off all but one independent source, solve for its contribution, repeat for others, and sum contributions; short circuit voltage sources and open current sources.
• C. Ignore sources with small amplitude.
• D. Convert to a Thevenin equivalent before applying superposition.

Answer: (B)

In a linear circuit, the response from independent sources adds up: each source drives the circuit in proportion to its own value, and the total voltage or current is the sum of those individual responses. To apply this, you isolate each independent source one at a time. Turn off all other independent sources: replace a voltage source with a short circuit and replace a current source with an open circuit. Solve the circuit with only one independent source active to find its contribution to the quantity you’re interested in (voltage or current). Do this for every independent source, then sum all the contributions to get the final result. If dependent sources are present, keep them active throughout the process since they depend on circuit variables; you may need extra steps or a test source to handle them. Thevenin conversion isn’t required for superposition itself, though it can sometimes help in simplifying parts of a circuit. This is why the correct approach is to activate one independent source at a time, deactivate the others in the indicated way, compute each contribution, and then add them up. The idea of solving with all sources on and separating by subtraction isn’t how superposition works, ignoring small amplitudes isn’t valid in linear circuits, and converting to a Thevenin equivalent isn’t the standard sequence for applying superposition.

In a linear circuit, the response from independent sources adds up: each source drives the circuit in proportion to its own value, and the total voltage or current is the sum of those individual responses. To apply this, you isolate each independent source one at a time. Turn off all other independent sources: replace a voltage source with a short circuit and replace a current source with an open circuit. Solve the circuit with only one independent source active to find its contribution to the quantity you’re interested in (voltage or current). Do this for every independent source, then sum all the contributions to get the final result. If dependent sources are present, keep them active throughout the process since they depend on circuit variables; you may need extra steps or a test source to handle them. Thevenin conversion isn’t required for superposition itself, though it can sometimes help in simplifying parts of a circuit.

This is why the correct approach is to activate one independent source at a time, deactivate the others in the indicated way, compute each contribution, and then add them up. The idea of solving with all sources on and separating by subtraction isn’t how superposition works, ignoring small amplitudes isn’t valid in linear circuits, and converting to a Thevenin equivalent isn’t the standard sequence for applying superposition.