Correct choice is (a) 1.79W
Easiest explanation: On shorting the voltage sources:
RL=3||2+4||3 =1.20+1.71=2.91 ohm.
The two nodal equations are:
(VA-10)/3+VA/2=0
(VB-20)/4+VB/3=0
On solving the two equations, we get VA=4V, VB=8.571V.
VAB=VA-VB = 4V – 8.571V = -4.57V.
Eth=4.57V
The maximum power transferred = Eth^2/4RL. Substituting the given values in the formula, we get Pmax = 1.79W.