SUBSTITUTION THEOREM

Substitution theorem states that if an element in a network is replaced by a voltage source whose
voltage at any instant of time is equals to the voltage across the element in the previous network then
the initial condition in the rest of the network will be unaltered. Or alternately if an element in a
network is replaced by a current source whose current at any instant of time is equal to the current
through the element in the previous network then the initial condition in the rest of the network will be
unaltered.

Substitution Theorem states that the voltage across any branch or the current through that branch of a
network being known, the branch can be replaced by the combination of various elements that will
make the same voltage and current through that branch.

In other words, Substitution Theorem says that for branch equivalence, the terminal voltage and current
must be same.

The concept of the theorem is based on the substitution of one element from another element. This
theorem gives intuition on the behaviour of the circuit. It also helps in proving several other theorems.
But the substitution theorem cannot use for solving the theorem which has more than two sources
which are neither connected in series nor parallel.

Simply one can say that the Substitution Theorem is the replacement of one element with another
equivalent element. In a network, if any element is substituted or replaced by a voltage or current
source whose voltage and current across or through that element will remain unchanged as the previous
network
Slide 1

As name implies, the main concept of this theorem which is based upon substitution of one element by
another equivalent element.

In other words, Substitution Theorem says that for branch equivalence, the terminal voltage and current
must be same.

Slide 3

To better understand the theorem, heres a circuit diagram

Here various resistances R1, R2, R3 is connected across with the voltage source (V). Current I is flowing
through the circuit, which is divided into current I1 flowing through the resistance R1 and the current
I2 flowing through the resistance R2. V1, V2 and V3 are the voltage drop across the resistance R1, R2 and
R3respectively.

Slide 4

Now the resistance R3 is substituted by the voltage source V3 as shown in the circuit diagram below

Slide 5

In the circuit diagram shown below the resistance, R3 is replaced by the current flowing through that
element, i.e. I1

Slide 6

This means that the voltage across the resistance and current flowing through the resistance unaltered
even if they are substituted by other sources.

Simply one can say that the Substitution Theorem is the replacement of one element with another
equivalent element. In a network, if any element is substituted or replaced by a voltage or current
source whose voltage and current across or through that element will remain unchanged as the previous
network