DYSMEBee 212:

Basic Electrical Engineering

ENGR. ROBERTO I. BERNARDO

Instructor, School of Mechanical Engineering

Declaration:
This learning module is an exclusive property of Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc., as an essential part of the
REIMAGINED Learning Program for the Academic Year 2020-2021, and shall only be used by and for
DYCIans. No part of this learning module shall be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, and/or sold, without the
consent of DYCI.
 <<Module No. 7>>
<<KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS >>

This module is intended to have you learners of second year BSME to solve circuit
problems using Kirchhoff’s laws.

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. solve circuit problems using Kirchhoff’s current law; and

2. solve circuit problems using Kirchhoff’s voltage law.

KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

Electric circuits that are more complex than those in series and parallel
connections of resistors. And, particularly those which contain more than one source of
emf.

A. KIRCHHOFF’S CURRENT LAW (KCL)

It states as follows: In any electrical network, the algebraic sum of the

currents meeting at a point or junction is zero. Or, get the sum of all the currents
entering the junction and equate it to the sum of all the currents leaving the
junction.

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 Illustration:

Current entering = Current leaving

I1 + I 4 = I 2 + I 3 + I 5

B. KIRCHHOFF’S VOLTAGE LAW (KVL)

It states as follows: The algebraic sum of the products of currents and

resistances in each of the conductors in any closed path in a network plus the
algebraic sum of the e.m.fs., in that path is zero.

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 Illustration:

Reference:

Using KVL following the stated reference;

I1R2 is - V (fall in potential) I4R4 is - V (fall in potential)

I2R2 is - V (fall in potential) E2 is - V (fall in potential)
I3R3 is + V (rise in potential) E1 is + V (rise in potential)

so the equation now is,

Note: In first equation, – I3R3… should be + I3R3

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 1. Find the values of currents I2 and I4 in the given network below.

Solution:

Applying KCL, for I2 :

current entering = current leaving,

@ junction P (common point between I1 and I2 )

I1 = I2 + 2A
I2 = 4A.
for I4 :
current entering = current leaving,

@ junction Q (common point between I3 and I4 )

I2 + I 4 = I 3
4A+ I4 = 9A
I4 = 5A.

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2. Find V1 and V2 in the network shown below.

Solution:

Applying KVL, by observation we may solve V2 first

for V2 :
@ loop bcdeb

- V2 + 18 – 10 – 3 = 0
V2 = 5 volts.
for V1 :
@ loop abefa

9 + V2 – V1 – 12 = 0
9 + 5 – V1 – 12 = 0
V1 = 2 volts.

1. Find the values of currents I2 and I4 in the given network below. 5

 Name: _____________________________________________ Rating: ________________
Year and Section:_____________ Professor / Instructor:__________________________
Due of Submission: _____________________________

<< Module No. 7>>

<< KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS >>

I. Problem solving. Solve the following problems.

1. Using KCL, find the value of the unknown currents.

2. Using KCL, find the value of the unknown currents.

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3. Two batteries A and B are connected in parallel and load of 10 Ω is connected
across their terminals. A has an e.m.f. of 12 V and an internal resistance of 2 Ω ;
B has an e.m.f. of 8 V and an internal resistance of 1 Ω. Use Kirchhoff’s laws to
determine the values and directions of the currents flowing in each of the batteries
and in the external resistance. Also determine the potential difference across the
external resistance.

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 Siskind, Charles S. Electrical Circuits. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1980

Fajardo, Max Jr., B. and Fajardo, Leo R. Electrical Layout and Estimate. 2nd ed. Manila:
5138 Merchandising, 2000

Gussow, Milton. Schaum’s outline of theory and problems of Basic Electricity.

New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1983

Theraja, B. L., et., al. A Textbook of Electrical Technology: Volume I Basic Electrical
Engineering in S.I., System of Units. First multicolor edition. New Delhi: S. Chand &
Company Ltd., 2005

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