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Kirchhoffs Circuit Law

Kirchhoffs Circuit Laws allow us to solve complex circuit problems by defining a set of basic

network laws and theorems for the voltages and currents around a circuit

We saw in the Resistors tutorial that a single equivalent resistance, ( RT ) can be found when two
or more resistors are connected together in either series, parallel or combinations of both, and
that these circuits obey Ohm’s Law.

However, sometimes in complex circuits such as bridge or T networks, we can not simply use
Ohm’s Law alone to find the voltages or currents circulating within the circuit. For these types of
calculations we need certain rules which allow us to obtain the circuit equations and for this we
can use Kirchhoffs Circuit Law.

In 1845, a German physicist, Gustav Kirchhoff developed a pair or set of rules or laws which
deal with the conservation of current and energy within electrical circuits. These two rules are
commonly known as: Kirchhoffs Circuit Laws with one of Kirchhoffs laws dealing with the
current flowing around a closed circuit, Kirchhoffs Current Law, (KCL) while the other law
deals with the voltage sources present in a closed circuit, Kirchhoffs Voltage Law, (KVL).

Kirchhoffs First Law – The Current Law, (KCL)

Kirchhoffs Current Law or KCL, states that the “total current or charge entering a junction or
node is exactly equal to the charge leaving the node as it has no other place to go except to
leave, as no charge is lost within the node“. In other words the algebraic sum of ALL the
currents entering and leaving a node must be equal to zero, I(exiting) + I(entering) = 0. This idea by
Kirchhoff is commonly known as the Conservation of Charge.

Kirchhoffs Current Law

Here, the three currents entering the node, I1, I2, I3 are all positive in value and the two currents
leaving the node, I4 and I5 are negative in value. Then this means we can also rewrite the
equation as;

I1 + I2 + I3 – I4 – I5 = 0

The term Node in an electrical circuit generally refers to a connection or junction of two or more
current carrying paths or elements such as cables and components. Also for current to flow either
in or out of a node a closed circuit path must exist. We can use Kirchhoff’s current law when
analysing parallel circuits.

Kirchhoffs Second Law – The Voltage Law, (KVL)

Kirchhoffs Voltage Law or KVL, states that “in any closed loop network, the total voltage
around the loop is equal to the sum of all the voltage drops within the same loop” which is also
equal to zero. In other words the algebraic sum of all voltages within the loop must be equal to
zero. This idea by Kirchhoff is known as the Conservation of Energy.

Kirchhoffs Voltage Law

Starting at any point in the loop continue in the same direction noting the direction of all the
voltage drops, either positive or negative, and returning back to the same starting point. It is
important to maintain the same direction either clockwise or anti-clockwise or the final voltage
sum will not be equal to zero. We can use Kirchhoff’s voltage law when analysing series circuits.

When analysing either DC circuits or AC circuits using Kirchhoffs Circuit Laws a number of
definitions and terminologies are used to describe the parts of the circuit being analysed such as:
node, paths, branches, loops and meshes. These terms are used frequently in circuit analysis so it
is important to understand them.

Common DC Circuit Theory Terms:

  • Circuit – a circuit is a closed loop conducting path in which an electric current flows.
 • Path – a single line of connecting elements or sources.
 • Node – a node is a junction, connection or terminal within a circuit were two or more
circuit elements are connected or joined together giving a connection point between two
or more branches. A node is indicated by a dot.
 • Branch – a branch is a single or group of components such as resistors or a source
which are connected between two nodes.
 • Loop – a loop is a simple closed path in a circuit in which no circuit element or node is
encountered more than once.
 • Mesh – a mesh is a single open loop that does not have a closed path. There are no
components inside a mesh.

Note that:

Components are said to be connected together in Series if the same current value flows
through all the components.

Components are said to be connected together in Parallel if they have the same voltage applied
across them.

A Typical DC Circuit

Kirchhoffs Circuit Law Example No1

Find the current flowing in the 40Ω Resistor, R3
The circuit has 3 branches, 2 nodes (A and B) and 2 independent loops.

Using Kirchhoffs Current Law, KCL the equations are given as:

At node A : I1 + I2 = I3

At node B : I3 = I1 + I2

Using Kirchhoffs Voltage Law, KVL the equations are given as:

Loop 1 is given as : 10 = R1 I1 + R3 I3 = 10I1 + 40I3

Loop 2 is given as : 20 = R2 I2 + R3 I3 = 20I2 + 40I3

Loop 3 is given as : 10 – 20 = 10I1 – 20I2

As I3 is the sum of I1 + I2 we can rewrite the equations as;

Eq. No 1 : 10 = 10I1 + 40(I1 + I2) = 50I1 + 40I2

Eq. No 2 : 20 = 20I2 + 40(I1 + I2) = 40I1 + 60I2

We now have two “Simultaneous Equations” that can be reduced to give us the values of I1 and
I2

Substitution of I1 in terms of I2 gives us the value of I1 as -0.143 Amps

Substitution of I2 in terms of I1 gives us the value of I2 as +0.429 Amps

As : I3 = I1 + I2

The current flowing in resistor R3 is given as : -0.143 + 0.429 = 0.286 Amps

and the voltage across the resistor R3 is given as : 0.286 x 40 = 11.44 volts

The negative sign for I1 means that the direction of current flow initially chosen was wrong, but
never the less still valid. In fact, the 20v battery is charging the 10v battery.

Application of Kirchhoffs Circuit Laws

These two laws enable the Currents and Voltages in a circuit to be found, ie, the circuit is said to
be “Analysed”, and the basic procedure for using Kirchhoff’s Circuit Laws is as follows:
  1. Assume all voltages and resistances are given. ( If not label them V1, V2,… R1, R2,
etc. )
 2. Label each branch with a branch current. ( I1, I2, I3 etc. )
 3. Find Kirchhoff’s first law equations for each node.
 4. Find Kirchhoff’s second law equations for each of the independent loops of the circuit.
 5. Use Linear simultaneous equations as required to find the unknown currents.

As well as using Kirchhoffs Circuit Law to calculate the various voltages and currents
circulating around a linear circuit, we can also use loop analysis to calculate the currents in each
independent loop which helps to reduce the amount of mathematics required by using just
Kirchhoff’s laws. In the next tutorial about DC circuits, we will look at Mesh Current Analysis to
do just that.

Kirchhoff’s Current & Voltage Law (KCL &

KVL) | Solved Example
Electrical Technology

22 5 minutes read

Table of Contents

 Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL):

o Explanation of KCL:
 Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL):
o Explanation of KVL:
 Circuit Analysis by Kirchhoff's Laws
o Solved Example on KCL and KVL (Kirchhoff's Laws)
 Applications of Kirchhoff's Laws

Limitations of Kirchhoff's laws:

Kirchhoff’s First & Second Laws with Solved Example

A German Physicist “Robert Kirchhoff” introduced two important electrical laws in 1847 by which, we
can easily find the equivalent resistance of a complex network and flowing currents in different
conductors. Both AC and DC circuits can be solved and simplified by using these simple laws which is
known as Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL).

Also note that KCL is derived from the charge continuity equation in electromagnetism while KVL is
derived from Maxwell – Faraday equation for static magnetic field (the derivative of B with respect to
time is 0)
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL):

According to KCL, at any moment, the algebraic sum of flowing currents through a point (or junction) in
a network is Zero (0) or in any electrical network, the algebraic sum of the currents meeting at a point
(or junction) is Zero (0). This law is also known as Point Law or Current law.

In any electrical network, the algebraic sum of incoming currents to a point and outgoing currents from
that point is Zero. Or the entering currents to a point are equal to the leaving currents of that point.

In other words, the sum of the currents flowing towards a point is equal to the sum of those flowing
away from it. Or the algebraic sum of the currents entering a node equals the algebraic sum of the
currents leaving it.

Explanation of KCL:

Suppose some conductors are meeting at a point “A” as shown in fig 1.a. in some conductors, currents
are incoming to the point “A” while in other conductors, Currents are leaving or outgoing from point
“A”.

Consider the incoming or entering currents as “Positive (+) towards point “A” while the leaving or
outgoing currents from point “A” is “Negative (-)”.
then:

I1 + (-I2) + (-I3) + (-I4) + I5 = 0

OR

I1 + I5 -I2 -I3 -I4 = 0

OR

I1 + I5 = I2 + I3 + I4 = 0

i.e.
Incoming or Entering Currents = leaving or Outgoing Currents
Or
ΣI Entering = ΣI Leaving

For instance, 8A is coming towards a point and 5A plus 3A are leaving that point in fig 1.b, therefore,
8A = 5A + 3A
8A = 8A.

Demonstrating Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL):

The Kirchhoff’s second law stated that;
In any closed path (or circuit) in a network, the algebraic sum of the IR product is equal to the
EMF in that path.
In other words, in any closed loop (which also known as Mesh), the algebraic sum of the EMF
applied is equal to the algebraic sum of the voltage drops in the elements. Kirchhoff’s second
law is also known as Voltage Law or Mesh law.
ΣIR= ΣE

Explanation of KVL:

A closed circuit is shown in fig which contains on two connection of batteries E1 and E2. The
overall sum of E.M.F’s of the batteries is indicated by E1-E2. The imaginary direction of current
is also shown in the fig.

E1 drive the current in such a direction which is supposed to be positive while E2 interfere in the
direction of current (i.e. it is in the opposite direction of the supposed direction of current) hence,
it is taken as negative. The voltage drop in this closed circuit is depends on the product of
Voltage and Current.
The voltage drop occurs in the supposed direction of current is known as Positive voltage drop
while the other one is negative voltage drop.

In the above fig, I1R1 and I2R2 is positive voltage drop and I3R3 and I4R4 are negative V.D.
If we go around the closed circuit (or each mesh), and multiply the resistance of the conductor
and the flowing current in it, then the sum of the IR is equal to the sum of the applied EMF
sources connected to the circuit.

The overall equation for the above circuit is:

E1-E2 = i1R1 + i2R2 – i3R3 – i4R4

If we go in the supposed direction of the current as shown in the fig, then the product of the IR is
taken as positive otherwise negative.

Good to Know:
Direction of the Current:
It is very important to determine the direction of current whenever solving circuits via
Kirchhoff’s laws.
The direction of current can be supposed through clockwise or anticlockwise direction. Once you
select the custom direction of the current, you will have to apply and maintain the same direction
for over all circuit until the final solution of the circuit.

If we got the final value as positive, it means, the supposed direction of the current were correct.
In case of negative values, the current of the direction is reversal as compared to the supposed
one then.

Circuit Analysis by Kirchhoff’s Laws

Solved Example on KCL and KVL (Kirchhoff’s Laws)

Example:

Resistors of R1= 10Ω, R2 = 4Ω and R3 = 8Ω are connected up to two batteries (of negligible
resistance) as shown. Find the current through each resistor.

Solution:
Assume currents to flow in directions indicated by arrows.
Apply KCL on Junctions C and A.
Therefore, current in mesh ABC = i1
Current in Mesh CA = i2
Then current in Mesh CDA = i1 – i2

Now, Apply KVL on Mesh ABC, 20V are acting in clockwise direction. Equating the sum of IR
products, we get;
10i1 + 4i2 = 20 ……………. (1)

In mesh ACD, 12 volts are acting in clockwise direction, then:

8(i1–i2) – 4i2= 12

8i1 – 8i2 – 4i2= 12

8i1 – 12i2 = 12 ……………. (2)

Multiplying equation (1) by 3;

30i1 + 12i2 = 60

Solving for i1
30i1 + 12i2 = 60
8i1 – 12i2 = 12

______________
38i1 = 72

The above equation can be also simplified by Elimination or Cramer’s Rule.

i1 = 72/38 = 1.895 Amperes = Current in 10 Ohms resistor

Substituting this value in (1), we get:

10(1.895) + 4i2 = 20

4i2 = 20 – 18.95

i2 = 0.263 Amperes = Current in 4 Ohms Resistors.

Now,
i1 – i2 = 1.895 – 0.263 = 1.632 Amperes

Applications of Kirchhoff’s Laws

 Kirchhoff’s laws can be used to determine the values of unknown values like current, Voltage,
current as well as the direction of the flowing values in the circuit.
  These laws can be applied on any circuit* (See the limitation of Kirchhoff’s Laws at the end of
the article), but useful to find the unknown values in complex circuits and networks.
 Also used in Nodal and Mesh analysis to find the values of current and voltage.
 Current through each independent loop is carried by applying KVL (each loop) and current in any
element of a circuit by counting all the current (Applicable in Loop Current Method).
 Current through each branch is carried by applying KCL (each junction) KVL in each loop of a
circuit (Applicable in Loop Current Method).
 Kirchhoff’s Laws are useful in understanding the transfer of energy through an electric circuit.

Good To Know:

These rules of thumbs must be taken into account while simplifying and analyzing electric
circuits by Kirchhoff’s Laws:

 The Voltage Drop in a loop due to current in clockwise direction is considered as Positive (+)
Voltage Drop.
 The Voltage Drop in a loop due to current in anticlockwise direction is considered as Negative (-)
Voltage Drop.
 The deriving current by the battery in clockwise direction is taken as Positive (+).
 The deriving current by the battery in anticlockwise direction is taken as Positive (-).

Limitations of Kirchhoff’s laws:

 KCL is applicable on the assumption that current flows only in conductors and wires. While in
High Frequency circuits where, parasitic capacitance can no longer be ignored. In such cases,
Current can flow in an open circuit because in these cases, conductors or wires are acting as
transmission lines.
 KVL is applicable on the assumption that there is no fluctuating magnetic field linking the closed
loop. While, in presence of changing magnetic field in a High Frequency but short wave length
AC circuits, the electric field is not a conservative vector field. So, the electric field cannot be the
gradient of any potential and the line integral of the electric field around the loop is not zero,
directly contradicting KVL. That’s why KVL is not applicable in such a condition.
 During the transfer of energy from the magnetic field to the electric field where fudge has to be
introduced to KVL to make the P.d (potential differences) around the circuit equal to 0.

You mat also check more circuits analyzing theorems:

Kirchhoff's Laws

 « Back

 Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

 Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL):
The algebraic sum of all currents entering a node must always be zero

where in is the nth current. N is the number of branches.

A common assignment:

1. if the current is entering the node, assign a negative “-“sign and

2. if the current is leaving the node, assign a positive “+” sign.

For the following figure

The node equation can be written as

To use KCL to analyze a circuit,

1. Write KCL equations for the currents

2. Use Ohm’s law to write currents in terms of bode voltages (one equation for each resistor)
3. Solve to find values of node voltage and current
Example: Find the current through a 20Ω resistance, and current through a 40Ω resistance
Write KCL at node x

Write in the circuit using Ohm’s Law

Apply last two equation into KCL at node x

The current through a 20Ω resistance

The current through a 40Ω resistance

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL):

The algebraic sum of all voltage around the closed loop must be always zero.
where vn is the nth voltage. N is the number of elements in the loop

A common assignment:

1. if the positive (+) side of the voltage is encountered first, assign a positive “+”sign to the voltage across the
element.
2. If the negative (-) side of the voltage is encountered first, assign a negative “-”sign to the voltage across the
element.

For the following figure

To use KVL to analyze a circuit,

1. Write KVL equations for voltages

2. Use Ohm’s law to write voltages in terms of resistances and currents.
3. Solve to find values of the currents and then voltages.
Examples:

Example 2: Find the current i and voltage v over the each resistor.
KVL equations for voltages

Using Ohm’s Law

Substituting into KVL equation

 Example 3: Find v1 and v2 in the following circuit
(note: the arrows are signifying the positive position of the box and the negative is at the end of
the box)

Loop 1

Loop 2

Example 4: Find V1, V2, and V3.

(note: the arrows are signifying the positive position of the box and the negative is at the end of
the box)
Loop 1

Loop 2

Loop3

Example 5: Find V1, V2, V3,and V4

(note: the arrows are signifying the positive position of the box and the negative is at the end of
the box)
Loop 1

Loop 2

Loop 3

Loop 4
Practice Problems:

(Click image to view solution)

Problem 1: Find V1 in the following circuit.

Problem 2: Find V0 in the following circuit.

Problem 3: Find V1,V2, and V3 in the following circuit.

Problem 4: Find I1,I2, I3in the following circuit

Problem 5: Find the resistor R value in the following circuit.

Exercises:
1. V1=8V, V2=-4V, V4=14V. Find V3 and V5 in the following circuit

2. Find Vx and Vy in the following circuit

3. Find Vx , Vy and Vz in the following circuit

4. Find the KCL node equations at nodes A,B,C, and D

 5. If I1=4A , I2 =5A, and I3 =3A, then using KCL find I4 and, I5 in the following circuit

Answers:

1. V3 =12V and V5=-2V

2. Vx =12V and Vy=9V
3. Vx =35V, Vy=5V, and Vz=15V
4. At node A:

At node B:

At node C:

At node D:

5. I4=2A and I5=1A

Survey:

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