Infinity Science study:Network Theorems (Definition of Network, Active, Passive, Node,Junction, Branch,Loop and Mesh)

Network Theorems

Network :

Any arrangement of electrical energy sources, like resistance and other circuit elements is called an electrical network.

Network Terminology

• Active element:

An active element is one which supplies electrical energy to the circuit. In figure (01) E1 & E2 are the active element because they supply energy to the circuit.

• Passive element:

A passive element is one which receives electrical and then either coverts it into heat (resistance) or stores in an electric field (capacitance) or magnetic field (inductance). In figure (01), there are three passive elements, namely R1, R2, and R3. These Passive elements receive energy from the active elements (i.e., E1 & E2).

• Node:

A node of a network is an equipotential surface at which two or more circuit elements are joined. In figure (01) circuit elements R1 and E1 are joined at A and hence A is the node.

• Junction:

A junction is that point in a network where three or more circuit elements are joined. In figure (01) there are only two junction points i.e., B & D.

• Branch:

A branch is that Part of a network which Lies between two junction points. In figure (01) there are a total of three branches i.e., BAD, BCD and BD.

• Loop:

A loop is any close Path of a network. In figure (01) ABDA, BCDB and ABCDA are the loop.

• Mesh:

A mesh is most elementary form of a loop and cannot be further divided into other loops. In figure (01) both loops ABCD and BCDB qualify as meshes because they cannot be further divided into other loops. The loop ABCDA cannot be called a mesh because it encloses two loops ABDA and BCDA.