The superposition theorem finds the response of a linear circuit with multiple independent sources by considering one independent source at a time.
Procedure
- Select one independent source and deactivate the others.
- Replace an ideal voltage source with a short circuit and an ideal current source with an open circuit.
- Calculate the branch voltage or current caused by the active source.
- Repeat for each independent source and add the signed contributions.
Important limits
Keep dependent sources active. Superposition applies to voltage and current, not directly to power; calculate power only after finding the total response.
Study tip: Mark reference directions before solving so that contributions with opposite polarity are added with the correct sign.