Kirchhoff's laws describe the relationship between voltage and current in electrical circuits. Kirchhoff's voltage law states that the total voltage supplied by the source must equal the total voltage used by all loads in a series circuit. Kirchhoff's current law states that in a series circuit, the total current is the same at any point, while in a parallel circuit the total current splits among the branches. The document provides examples applying Kirchhoff's laws to calculate voltages and currents in different circuit configurations.
2. Kirchhoff’s Law
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law: In a series circuit, the total
voltage supplied by the source must equal the total
voltage used by all of the loads in that path.
5V 2V 3V
Total = 10 V
10 V
3. Kirchhoff’s Law
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law: In a series circuit, the total
voltage supplied by the source must equal the total
voltage used by all of the loads in that path.
Analogy:
Total potential energy gained
Total potential energy lost
4. Kirchhoff’s Law
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law: In a parallel circuit, the total
voltage supplied by the source is equal to the voltage
across each parallel branch* 5V
5V
5V
*as long as all 5V
loads are identical
5. Kirchhoff’s Law
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law: In a parallel circuit, the total
voltage supplied by the source is equal to the voltage
across each parallel branch.
Analogy:
Total potential energy lost
Total potential energy gained
10. Kirchhoff’s Law
Kirchhoff’s Current Law: In a series circuit, the total
current flowing through the circuit is identical at any point
in the circuit.
2A 2A 2A
2A
11. Kirchhoff’s Law
Kirchhoff’s Current Law: In a series circuit, the total
current flowing through the circuit is identical at any point
in the circuit.
Analogy:
Point A Point B
Same current
12. Kirchhoff’s Law
Kirchhoff’s Current Law: In a parallel circuit, the total
current flowing through the circuit is divided up among
any parallel branches.
6A
2A 1A 3A
13. Kirchhoff’s Law
Kirchhoff’s Current Law: In a parallel circuit, the total
current flowing through the circuit is divided up among
any parallel branches. Point B
Analogy:
Point A
Point C
Point D
Current at point A = current at point B + point C + point D