Solving systems of linear equations: resistor networks

Developed by E. Ayars

Easy JavaScript Simulation version by Fremont Teng and Loo Kang Wee

These exercises are designed to get you started on using computers to solve systems of linear equations. The systems of equations we’ll be using come from resistor networks typical of what you might see in a second-semester physics course, but the same techniques can be used for any system of linear equations regardless of their source.

We can of course solve these systems of equations using algebra, but for larger systems of equations it’s a lot easier to use a computer.

Subject Area Electricity & Magnetism
Levels First Year and Beyond the First Year
Available Implementations Python and Mathematica and Easy JavaScript Simulation
Learning Objectives

Students who complete these exercises will

  • Be able to convert from a system of equations to a matrix equation.
  • Be able to use a computational package to solve the matrix equation.
Time to Complete 30 min