Chapter 5 : CIRCUITS AND NETWORKS

67

Chapter 5
Circuits and Networks
Not all networks can be reduced to simple series – parallel combinations. Such
networks are called complex networks. Examples are networks in which resistors are not in
simple series or parallel grouping and networking in which there are sets of emf in parallel
paths.

Kirchoff’s Rules and Maxwell’s Mesh Current Law are employed in the solution
of these complex networks.

There are two important terms that are to be defined before we can apply the
Kirchoff’s rules. These are:

Branch point or node – a point in a network in which three or more conductors are joined.

Loop – any closed conducting path in a network.

In the figure, points d, b, e and g are branch point while paths abeda, degfd, and
bchgeb are loops. Also, the branch currents are i 1, i2, i3, i4, i5, and i6 while the loop currents are
I1, I2 and I3.

a R1 b c

i1 I1 i4 E1,r1 E3,r3
R2 i6
d e I3
i2
I2 i5 E4,r4
E2,r2

f i3 R3 g h

Networks are circuits that cannot be reduced to simple series-parallel combinations of

resistors.

KIRCHOFF’S RULES consists of the following two statements:

 Chapter 1 : CIRCUITS AND NETWORKS
68

5.1 KIRCHOFF’S CURRENT LAW (KCL)

The algebraic sum of the branch currents meeting at any branch point or node of a
network is zero.

Σi=0
To carry out the analysis, the direction of current for a given branch must be
assigned. If after the computations, a negative answer is obtained, it means that the actual
direction of current is opposite to assigned direction during analysis.

Conventions:
i is +, if it is going toward the node.
i is -, if it is going away from the node.
i2 i1

i 1 + i2 - i3 - i4 = 0
i3 i4

Note: The law of current is based on the principle of the law of conservation of
charge.

5.2 KIRCHOFF’S VOLTAGE LAW (KVL)

The algebraic sum of the emf’s in any loop of some network equals the algebraic sum
of the iR in the same loop.

where i refers to the branch current

ΣΕ=Σ iR
To carry out the analysis, the direction (either clockwise or counter clockwise) of the
loop current must be assigned so that:

Conventions:

E is + , when the loop current comes out of the + terminal (source of energy)

E is - , when the loop currents comes out of the – terminal (user of energy)

iR is + , when the branch current passing through the resistor is in the same direction of the
loop current.

iR is - , when the branch current passing through the resistor is in the opposite direction of the
loop current.
Note: The law of the voltage is based on the principle of conservation of energy.
E E
+ - + - i + - i + -
i
Chapter 5 : CIRCUITS AND NETWORKS
69

+E I -E I I +iR I -iR

5.3 MAXWELL’S MESH (or LOOP) CURRENT LAW

Similar with KVL except that the loops current are used in the analysis instead of
branch currents.

where I refers to the loop current

ΣΕ=Σ IR
Conventions:
E is + , when the loop current comes out of the + terminal.

E is - , when the loop currents comes out of the – terminal.

IR is +, when I is the loop current of the mesh considered

IR is +, when I is the loop current of another mesh passing through one branch of the
mesh considered, is in the same direction of the loop current of the mesh considered.

IR is - , if the loop current of another mesh passing through one branch of the mesh
considered is in the opposite direction as the loop of the mesh considered.

Note: Branch current can be computed from the loop currents either by taking the sum or
difference of the two loop currents: (a) if the two loop currents are in the same direction, then
their sum represents the branch current, (b) if the two loop currents are in the opposite
direction then their difference represents the branch current, the direction of which is similar
to the direction of the loop current with the greater magnitude.

SUPPLEMENTARY PROBLEMS

1. Using Kirchhoff’s Law, find out currents’ i 1, i2 and i3 in the branches of the network
shown.

15V, 1Ω i1
a b
 Chapter 1 : CIRCUITS AND NETWORKS
70

10V,0.5Ω i3 9.5Ω
c d

1.4Ω

3V,0.1Ω i2
e f

2. Using Maxwell’s Mesh, find the current in each branch.

20V,1Ω

6Ω 1Ω 3Ω

4Ω 10V,0.5Ω
Chapter 5 : CIRCUITS AND NETWORKS
71

5Ω 5V, 0.25Ω

15V ,0.75Ω 2Ω

3. Given the circuit shown below, find:

a. the value of ia
b. the value of ib
c. the value of Vo
d. the power dissipated in each resistor
e. the power delivered by the 300V source

6Ω ib

ia
300V 40Ω Vo 60Ω
 Chapter 1 : CIRCUITS AND NETWORKS
72

40V

4. In the Wheatstone bridge network shown, find the currents in each resistor.

2Ω 3Ω

22V

2Ω
1Ω 2Ω
Chapter 5 : CIRCUITS AND NETWORKS
73

4V 4Ω

5. Calculate the three currents I1, I2 and I3 as indicated in the circuit diagram.

5.0Ω 8.0Ω

12V I1 I2 9.0V

1.0Ω 1.0Ω

I3

10.0Ω
 Chapter 1 : CIRCUITS AND NETWORKS
74