+ R1

1kΩ
Problem 6:
If 5mA of current flows downward through R1 and 3mA of current flows downward through LED1,
what is the value of current that is being supplied by V1?

1 answer

To determine the current supplied by \( V1 \) in this circuit, we need to consider the principle of current conservation at a junction. According to Kirchhoff's current law, the total current entering a junction must equal the total current leaving the junction.

In this case, we have the following currents:

  • Current through \( R1 \): \( I_{R1} = 5 , \text{mA} \) (downward)
  • Current through \( LED1 \): \( I_{LED} = 3 , \text{mA} \) (downward)

If the total current supplied by \( V1 \) is \( I_{V1} \), we can apply Kirchhoff's current law at the junction:

\[ I_{V1} = I_{R1} + I_{LED} \]

Substituting the given values:

\[ I_{V1} = 5 , \text{mA} + 3 , \text{mA} = 8 , \text{mA} \]

Therefore, the value of current that is being supplied by \( V1 \) is \( 8 , \text{mA} \).