Sample Problems - Solutions

KVL, KCL & Power

1)
For the circuit shown below, determine the voltage for each of the
resistors and label the values on the diagram.
KVL:

Vrises

Vdrops

Assume IS clockwise:

20 k

10 k

10 V

10 V = 20 IS + 10 IS + 20 V + 30 IS

20 V

30 k

(note: if all resistors k, drop k and

remember answer will be in mA)
Solving: -10 V = 60 IS => IS = -1/6 mA (counter clockwise)
Applying Ohms Law,
V20k = 20/6 = 10/3 V
V10k = 10/6 = 5/3 V
V20k = 30/6 = 5 V

- 1.67 V +

- 3.33 V +

20 k

10 k

10 V

Now, label diagram with voltage

drops:

30 k

+ 5.0 V -

2) In the circuit shown below, the current through the 3 k resistor is measured
to be 4 mA. Determine the source voltage (VS) and source current (IS).

V3k = V12k = (4 mA)(3k) = 12V

IS

I12k = (12 V)/(12 k) = 1 mA

IS = I3k + I12k = 5 mA
VS = V2k + V3k (KVL) or V2k + V12k
= (2 k)(5 mA) + 12 V = 22 V

2 k
VS

12 k

4 mA
3 k

20 V

3)

KVL, KCL

3a)
For the circuit shown above, determine the voltages VA, VB, VC, and VD
indicated on the diagram.

- VC +

4 mA

IC

I1

I2
+

IA

6V

1 mA

28 V

+ 12 V -

ID

4 mA

2 mA

+
VD
-

VA
-

I3

+6V-

IB
Y
+V B -

Apply KVL to mesh and loop currents, IA, IB, IC, and ID .
For loop or Mesh:
VRises

VDrops

6V +6V

VA

>>>

VA = 12 V

28 V + VB

12 V + 6 V

>>>

VB = -10 V

12 V + VC

6V

>>>

VC = -6 V

28 V

12 V + VD

>>>

VD = 16 V

I A:
I B:
IC:
ID:

I4

3b)

Determine the currents I1, I2, I3 and I4 indicated on the diagram.

- VC +

N2

4 mA

I2
+

I1

6V

1 mA

+ 12 V -

4 mA

2 mA

+
VD
-

I4
I3

N3

+V B -

Apply KCL @ node N1, N2, N3, and N4,

=

IOUT

N1:
4 mA

= I1 + 1 mA

>>>

I1 = 3 mA

I1 (= 3 mA) = I2 + 4 mA

>>>

I2 = -1 mA

4 mA

>>>

I4 = 2 mA

>>>

I3 = 2 mA

N2:
N4:
= I4 + 2 mA

N3:
I4 (= 2 mA) + I3 =

4 mA

N4

+6V-

IIN

VA
-

N1
28 V

3c)

Determine the power (supplied or dissipated) by elements X & Y.

Putting values we solved for in parts a) and b) onto the diagram, we have:

3 mA

+ 6V X

Y
- 10 V +

2 mA

PX = IX VX = (3 mA)(6 V) = 18 mW (Dissipated)
Note: Actual current flows from + to - terminals of voltage on the device.
PY = IY VY = (2 mA)(10 V) = 20 mW (Dissipated)
Note: Actual current flows from + to - terminals of voltage on the device.