Superposition theorem is a principle in electrical circuit analysis used to analyze linear circuits containing multiple independent sources, such as voltage or current sources. It states that the voltage across (or current through) an element in a linear circuit is the algebraic sum of the voltags across (or current through) that element due to each independent source action alone.
To apply the theorem, each independent source is considered one at a time, while voltage sources are replaced by short circuits (zero voltage) and current sources are replaced by open circuits (zero current). The responses (voltages or currents) due to each source are calculated separately, and then these individual contributions are algebraically added to obtain the total response. The theorem relies on the linearity of the circuit, meaning it applies only to circuits where components obey linear relationships, such as Ohm’s Law, and it does not apply to nonlinear elements. This method simplifies complex circuit analysis by breaking it down into manageable parts, making it easier to compute the overall behavior of the circuit.
The dependant sources are left as they are. The Superposition theorem is not valid in case of non-linear circuits.
