FACULTY OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

BEE1931 BASIC ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTATION

LAB REPORT 4

KIRCHOFF LAW

Prepared by :

Name Matric ID

Muhammad Faris Bin Misran SEA19029

Muhammad Hanif Bin Hasanuddin SEA19004

Muhammad Naguib Bin Aziz SEA19027

Prepared for :
DR. NIK MOHD ZAITUL AKMAL BIN MUSTAPHA
INTRODUCTION
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.
Using Kirchhoffs circuit law relating to the junction rule and his closed loop rule, we can
calculate and find the currents and voltages around any closed circuit providing we know the
values of the electrical components within it.
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.

Kirchoff’s Current Law (KCL)

Kirchhoff's current law (KCL) is a fundamental principle in electrical circuit analysis that states that
the algebraic sum of currents entering and leaving a junction (or node) in an electrical circuit is zero.
In other words, the total current flowing into a node is equal to the total current flowing out of it.
This law is based on the principle of charge conservation, where the total amount of charge entering
a junction must be equal to the total amount of charge leaving it. By experimentally verifying KCL in
our lab setup, we will measure the currents at various junctions in the circuit and demonstrate that
the sum of these currents is indeed zero, thus validating Kirchhoff's current law. This will provide a
practical illustration of the importance of KCL in accurately analyzing and predicting current flow in
complex electrical circuits
 Kirchoff Voltage Law (KVL)

Kirchhoff's voltage law (KVL) is a fundamental principle in electrical circuit analysis that states
that the sum of voltage drops across all elements in a closed loop of a circuit is equal to the sum of
the electromotive forces (EMFs) or voltage sources present in the loop. In other words, the total
voltage supplied in a closed loop is equal to the total voltage consumed. KVL is based on the principle
of energy conservation, where the total energy provided by the voltage sources must be equal to the
total energy consumed by the circuit elements. In our lab experiment, we will construct a closed loop
circuit and measure the voltage drops across various elements using voltmeters. By comparing these
measured voltages with the sum of the voltages provided by the power sources, we will validate
Kirchhoff's voltage law and illustrate its significance in understanding the distribution and usage of
voltage across different elements in a circuit.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of the Kirchhoff's law lab report is to demonstrate and experimentally verify the
validity and practical application of Kirchhoff's laws in electrical circuit analysis. Specifically, the lab
aims to:

1. To verify Kirchhoff's current law (KCL) by measuring currents at different junctions in a circuit
setup and demonstrating that the sum of these currents is zero, as predicted by KCL.
2. To verify Kirchhoff's voltage law (KVL) by measuring voltage drops across various elements in a
closed loop circuit and confirming that the sum of these voltage drops is equal to the sum of the
voltage sources, as predicted by KVL.
3. Highlight the importance and value of Kirchhoff's laws in correctly analysing and projecting the
behaviour of electrical circuits, placing particular emphasis on their importance in
comprehending current flow and voltage distribution. Solidify the conceptual understanding of
Kirchhoff's laws and their practical applications in engineering and technology, providing a
foundation for further exploration of complex circuit analysis techniques.

By achieving these objectives, the lab report aims to reinforce the understanding of Kirchhoff's laws
and their practical relevance in electrical circuit analysis.
PROCEDURE
1. Construct the circuit in Figure 1 and Figure 2.
2. Test and demonstrate the result to the instructor for verification.
3. Write down the result and the conclusion.
4. Calculate the current and voltage using Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) & Kirchhoff’s
Voltage Law (KVL) from the result obtained.

INSTRUMENT USED
1. Digital Multimeter
2. DC Power Supply
3. Breadboard

RESULT/DATA/CALCULATION

Experiment 1: Kirchhoff’s Current Law and Nod Analysis Method

1. Construct the circuit in Figure 1.

1.1 Figure 1
2. Referring to the circuit; there are 6 branches of components which are V1, V2, R1, R2, R3, and
R4. The aim is to determine the current through the load of R3 and the voltage across the load.
Having these two quantities will give the power consumed by the load. By using Node Analysis
method, first list the nodes appeared in the network:
a. Node A = VA = 12 volts
b. Node B = VB = to be determined
c. Node C = VC = to be determined
d. Node D = VD = 4 volts
e. Node E = VE = 0 volt (ground)
Then calculate the current through the R1, R2, R3 and R4 using Kirchhoff’s Current Law.

Notes
According to KCL the sum of currents ENTERING the node must equal to zero. So that referring
to Figure 2,
Node B: iR1 + iR2 + iR4 = 0
Node C: iR2 + iR3 = 0

KCL at Node B will be:

KCL at Node B will be:

3. Measure the current through these resistors using the DMM and records all the results in Table
1.
CALCULATION

𝟏𝟐 − 𝑽𝑩 𝑽𝑪 − 𝑽𝑩 𝟒 − 𝑽𝑩
𝒊𝑹𝟏 = 𝒊𝑹𝟐 = 𝒊𝑹𝟒 =
𝟏𝒌 𝟏𝒌 𝟏𝒌
𝟏𝟐 − 𝟔.𝟒 𝟑.𝟐 − 𝟔. 𝟒 𝟒 − 𝟔.𝟒
𝒊𝑹𝟏 = 𝒊𝑹𝟐 = 𝒊𝑹𝟒 =
𝟏𝒌 𝟏𝒌 𝟏𝒌
𝒊𝑹𝟏 = 𝟓. 𝟔𝒎𝑨 𝒊𝑹𝟐 = 𝟎.𝟑𝟐𝒎𝑨 𝒊𝑹𝟒 = 𝟐. 𝟒𝒎𝑨

𝑽𝑩 = 𝟐(𝑽𝑪)
𝑽𝑬 − 𝟑𝑽 + 𝟏𝟔 = 𝟎 𝑽𝑩 = 𝟐(𝟑. 𝟐)
𝑽𝑪 − 𝟑(𝟐𝑽𝑪) + 𝟏𝟔 = 𝟎 𝑽𝑩 = 𝟔.𝟒𝑽
𝑽𝑪 − 𝟔𝑽𝑪 + 𝟏𝟔 = 𝟎
𝟏𝟔 = 𝟓𝑽𝑪
𝑽𝑪 = 𝟑. 𝟐 𝑽
FIGURE 1.1, R1 = 5.72mA FIGURE 1.2, R2 = 3.29mA

FIGURE 1.3, R3 = 3.28mA FIGURE 1.4, R4 = 2.44mA

Table 1
Resistor Calculated Current (A) Measured Current (A)

R1 5.6mA 5.73

R2 3.2mA 3.28

R3 3.2mA 3.28

R4 2.4mA 2.44
Experiment 2: Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law and Mesh Analysis Method

1. Referring to the circuit in Figure 2, analyze the circuit using mesh analysis method which
validates the Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law. Consider the same resistor network below:

Figure 2
Notes
According to KVL the sum of all voltages around a LOOP must equal zero.
Thus for mesh 1:

While for mesh 2:

Referring to Figure 2, we know that:

V1 = 12 V
V2 = 4 V

VR1= i1R1

VR2 = i2R2

VR3 = i2R3
Then calculate the current for i1 and i2
 CALCULATION I1 & I2

𝑳𝑶𝑶𝑷 𝑰𝟏,
𝟎 = −𝑽𝟏 + 𝑹𝟏𝑰𝟏 + 𝑹𝟒(𝑰𝟏 − 𝑰𝟐) + 𝑽𝟐
𝟎 = −𝟏𝟐 + 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟏 + 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟏 − 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟐 + 𝟒𝑽
𝟖 = 𝟐𝒌𝑰𝟏 − 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟐 ~ 𝑬𝑸𝑼𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝟏

𝑳𝑶𝑶𝑷 𝑰𝟐,
𝟎 = 𝑰𝟐𝑹𝟐 + 𝑰𝟑𝑹𝟑 − 𝑽𝟐 + 𝑹𝟒(𝑰𝟐 − 𝑰𝟏)
𝟎 = 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟐 − 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟐 − 𝟒 + 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟐 − 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟏
𝟒 = 𝟑𝒌𝑰𝟐 − 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟏
𝟒 + 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟏
𝑰𝟐 = ~ 𝑬𝑸𝑼𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝟐
𝟑
𝑭𝑹𝑶𝑴 𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑹𝑬,
(𝟒 + 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟏)
𝟖 = 𝟐𝒌𝑰𝟏 − 𝟏𝒌
𝟑𝒌
𝟑(𝟖 − 𝟐𝒌𝑰𝟏) = −𝟒 − 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟏
𝟐𝟒 − 𝟔𝒌𝑰𝟏 = −𝟒 − 𝟏𝒌𝑰𝟏
𝟐𝟖 = 𝟓𝒌𝑰𝟏
𝟐𝟖
𝑰𝟏 =
𝟓𝒌
𝑰𝟏 = 𝟓.𝟔𝒎𝑨
𝒂𝒏𝒅
𝟒 + 𝟏𝒌(𝟓.𝟔𝒎𝑨)
𝑰𝟐 =
𝟑𝒌
𝑰𝟐 = 𝟑.𝟐𝒎𝑨

𝑭𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑳 𝑨𝑵𝑺𝑾𝑬𝑹

𝑰𝟏 = 𝟓.𝟔𝒎𝑨
𝑰𝟐 = 𝟐.𝟒𝒎𝑨
CALCULATION VOLTAGE

𝑽𝑹𝟏 = 𝑰𝟏(𝑹𝟏)

𝑽𝑹𝟏 = 𝟓. 𝟔𝒎𝑨(𝟏𝒌)

𝑽𝑹𝟏 = 𝟓. 𝟔𝑽

𝑽𝑹𝟐 = 𝑰𝟐(𝑹𝟐)

𝑽𝑹𝟐 = 𝟑. 𝟐𝒎𝑨(𝟏𝒌)

𝑽𝑹𝟐 = 𝟑. 𝟐𝑽

𝑽𝑹𝟑 = 𝑰𝟐(𝑹𝟑)

𝑽𝑹𝟑 = 𝟑. 𝟐𝒎𝑨(𝟏𝒌)

𝑽𝑹𝟑 = 𝟑. 𝟐𝑽

IVR4 = I1 – I2

𝑰𝑽𝑹𝟒 = 𝟓.𝟔𝒎𝑨 − 𝟑. 𝟐𝒎𝑨

𝑰𝑽𝑹𝟒/𝑰𝟑 = 𝟐. 𝟒𝒎𝑨

𝑽𝑹𝟒 = I3(R4)

𝑽𝑹𝟒 = 𝟐. 𝟒𝒎𝑨(𝟏𝒌)

𝑽𝑹𝟒 = 𝟐. 𝟒𝑽

𝑽𝟏 = 𝑽𝑹𝟏 + 𝑽𝑹𝟒 + 𝑽𝟐

𝑽𝟏 = 𝟓.𝟔 + 𝟐.𝟒 + 𝟒

𝑽𝟏 = 𝟏𝟐𝑽

𝑽𝟐 = 𝑽𝑹𝟑 + 𝑽𝑹𝟐 − 𝑽𝑹𝟒

𝑽𝟐 = 𝟑.𝟐 + 𝟑.𝟐 − 𝟐. 𝟒
𝑽𝟐 = 𝟒𝑽
2. By using the circuit in Figure 2 (which is same circuit in Figure 1), connect the circuit and measure
all the voltages as needed in Mesh 1, Mesh 2 and Outer Loop then record all the results in
Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4,

Table 2: Voltage value for Mesh 1

Voltage across branch (Volt) V1 VR1 VR4 V2

Calculated Voltage (V) 12.00 5.60 2.40 0

Measured Voltage (V) 12.10 5.63 2.43 0

Table 3: Voltage value for Mesh 2

Voltage across branch (Volt) V2 VR4 VR2 VR3

Calculated Voltage (V) 4.00 2.4 3.2 3.2

Measured Voltage (V) 4.04 2.43 3.25 3.25

Table 4: Voltage value for Outer Loop

Voltage across branch (Volt) V1 VR1 VR2 VR3

Calculated Voltage (V) 12.00 5.60 3.2 3.2

Measured Voltage (V) 12.05 5.63 3.25 3.25

QUESTION
Q1. State the meaning of negative/positive numbers of your current measurements

• The flow of current changes from positive to negative. A negative current flows in the
opposite direction as a positive current does.
Q2. How do you validate KCL at Node B and C, and what can be concluded from the validation?

• the current entering and flow through thecircuit, so based on the validation we can
concluded that the sum current that enteringthe node must equal to zero.
Q3. How do you validate KVL for Loop 1 and Loop 2 (Mesh 1 and 2)? What can be conclude from
the validations that you have made.

• Used the mesh analysis to determine the unknown current. After that we obtain
twoequation that are used to solve the problem. The knowledge on mesh allowed us
todetermine every voltage across branch. Based on validation we can concluded that
thesum of all voltage across the loop must be equal to zero.
Q4. Why the values of VR4 and V2 in Loop 2 (Mesh 2) are opposite to the values from Loop
1(Mesh 1) measurement?

• Because of the current flow through the circuit. VR4 and V2 are positive in Mesh 1because
the terminal signs for all branches are based upon the current flow – enteringpositive
terminal and leaving through negative terminal. On the Mesh 2 the value ofVR4 and V2
are negative because the actual polarity of battery is opposite to thepolarity of the current
flow.
Q5. Explain why KVL is true for Outer Loop.

• Because the KVL principle does not state to the sum of the mesh but the sum of theloop. It
is because every mesh is a loop but not every loop is a mesh, so it is explainedus the
definition of mesh that is a loop that is not contain any loop.
CONCLUSION
After finishing all the work and experiment in the laboratory, it helped us and taught us
howto use KVL and KCL in calculations, how and when to use them, and which circuits requireus
to apply KVL after we completed all of the work in the laboratory. To the calculations, wemust
add loops and note how the circuits begin and terminate, as well as if the voltage of thecomponents
is positive or negative depending on their terminals. We also discovered that theKCL calculation
necessitates examining the nodes and determining the relationship betweenthe various currents
flowing through the circuit. Finally, using Kirchhoff's Voltage andCurrent Laws, we
tested the hypothesis by measuring the sum of voltages along numerousclosed routes and the sum
of currents at several nodes using the simulator circuit.

REFERENCES
• https://www.arrow.com/?gclid=2e53d0af525212dda89bb424b9e4f981&gclsrc=3p.ds&m
sclkid=2e53d0af525212dda89bb424b9e4f981&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&ut
m_campaign=b-ppc-apac_my-generic-english-en-
usdcategory&utm_term=kirchhoff%27s%20law&utm_content=generic-
electroniccomponent-broad
• https://byjus.com/physics/kirchhoffs-law/
• https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/circuits-topic/circuits-
resistance/a/eekirchhoffs-laws
• https://www.sciencefacts.net/kirchhoffs-law.html