Electronic – Basic nodal analysis question

You can solve this circuit by more or less the same method you've given in the question; however you need to plug in one more equation (\$V_1=V_2+12\$) into the system and introduce an unknown current variable. So I'm not sure if we can call it a 'pure' nodal analysis.

This is what you've got to do:

• Write KCL on the left node (\$I_s\$ is the current through the voltage source): $$6A=\frac { { V }_{ 1 }-{ V }_{ 2 } }{ { R }_{ 3 } } +\frac { { V }_{ 1 } }{ { R }_{ 3 } } +{ I }_{ s }$$

• Do it again on the node on the right side: $$4A={ I }_{ s }-\frac { { V }_{ 2 } }{ { R }_{ 2 } } +\frac { { V }_{ 1 }-{ V }_{ 2 } }{ { R }_{ 3 } } $$

• So far, we're in line with the method described in the question. As a last step, write down this one: $$V_1=V_2+12$$

Now we're left with 3 equations in three unknowns, which you can easily solve to get \$V_1, V_2\$ and \$I_s\$

First off, mesh analysis would be simpler because you would only have one unknown (the current in the right mesh).

As you know, in nodal analysis you are summing currents at the nodes. Current into the nodes positive and current out of the nodes negative. The way you have defined the problem you should have 3 equations and three unknowns. Your first equations seems to do this correctly for node B. It kind of falls apart after that. For example, node A equation should just be .005 = (Va-Vb)/3000. You already know that Vc = 16 volts.

So simplifying the node A equation gives you what Andy aka said, then just substitute it back into your node B equation.