Kirchhoff’s Rules

Gen Physics 2- STEM

Most Essential Learning Competency

Calculate the current and

voltage through and across
circuit elements using Kirchhoff’s
loop and junction rules (at most 2
loops only) STEM_GP12EM - IIIg -49
 Introduction
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 are
known as
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law
(KVL).
 Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

Kirchhoff’s Current
Law (KCL) states that
the current flowing out
of any node must
equal the current
flowing in. So, for
example
EXAMPLE
 Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

Kirchhoff’s Voltage
Law (KVL) states that
the algebraic sum of
the voltages around
any closed path must
be zero. So, for
example
Note:
 Illustration of KVL in a loop
 KVL states that the algebraic
sum of voltages around a loop
is zero. Loop is a closed path in
a circuit starting at a node,
traversing through a series of
nodes, and ending at the
starting node without passing
through the same node twice.
Consider the circuit with one
loop shown below. The sum of
voltages while passing through
the clockwise direction must
sum to zero.
Example 1

Write the KVL equation for the circuit

shown below.
Example 2
Loop analysis

Loop analysis is a systematic procedure

based on KVL to solve for currents in more
complex circuits. Loop current analysis
involves the following steps:
 Identify loops in a circuit.
 Pick currents in clockwise direction.
 Set up loop equations.
 Solve system of equations to obtain unknown
currents.
Consider the single loop circuit shown
below. Obtain the unknown current .