Superposition Theorem

As the answer states, students have a multitude of resources to consult on this topic. It should not be difficult for them to ascertain what this important theorem is and how it is applied to the analysis of circuits.

Be sure students understand what the terms linear and bilateral mean with reference to circuit components and the necessary conditions for Superposition Theorem to be applied to a circuit. Point out that it is still possible to apply the Superposition Theorem to a circuit containing nonlinear or unilateral components if we do so carefully (i.e. under narrowly defined conditions).

Here is a circuit students will not be able to analyze by series-parallel analysis, since it is impossible to reduce all the resistors in it to a single equivalent resistance. It is cases like this that really showcase the power of Superposition as an analysis technique.

In order to answer this question correctly (without just looking up the answer in a book), students will have to perform a few power calculations in simple, multiple-source circuits. It may be worthwhile to work through a couple of example problems during discussion time, to illustrate the answer.

Despite the fact that resistor power dissipations cannot be superimposed to obtain the answer(s), it is still possible to use the Superposition Theorem to calculate resistor power dissipations in a multiple-source circuit. Challenge your students with the task of applying this theorem for solving power dissipations in a circuit.