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I am following the diagram that is attached below:

enter image description here

Now, say I have the following circuit:

enter image description here

And I apply this theorem and end up with enter image description here

Then, even though the current was the same in Circuit B for R, R1, R2; it is generally different for R than for R1 and R2 in circuit A. Why is this?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ good question. +1 \$\endgroup\$
    – Mitu Raj
    Mar 17, 2018 at 13:27

1 Answer 1

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It's because the theorem about equivalence of Thevenin and Norton sources states only that the currents and voltages in the external circuit (i.e. anything to the right of points (A) and (B) in your circuit) are the same.

Not the voltage across or currents through the series/parallel resistors of the equivalent Thevenin/Norton sources. Those resistors belong to the sources.

I.e. in this case only currents/voltages at R1 and R2 are the same; not currents/voltages at R.

This fact that current/voltage at R can't be the same is obvious if you assume your external circuit to be e.g. an open circuit (or a short circuit):
if the external circuit is an open circuit the current through R of a Thevenin source is 0; the current through R of an equivalent Norton source not.

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