What does the principle of superposition in circuits state?

The principle of superposition in circuits states that all circuit responses can be found by considering each independent source separately while keeping all other independent sources turned off (i.e., replaced by their internal impedance). This is a fundamental concept in linear circuit analysis, and it applies to both voltage and current sources.

By applying this principle, you can analyze complex circuits by breaking them down into simpler, more manageable parts. For each scenario where you only consider one source, you can determine the contributions of that specific source to the overall circuit response. After analyzing the individual effects of each source, you can then sum these effects to find the overall current and voltage at various points in the circuit.

This method is particularly useful for circuits with multiple sources, enabling more straightforward calculations and a deeper understanding of how each source impacts the entire circuit. Understanding this principle is essential for tackling complex circuit problems in both theoretical studies and practical applications.