Explaining the Kirchhoff's Law

(KCL and KVL)

Electric circuits are essential to our modern world. Kirchhoff's laws are fundamental laws for electrical engineers to
understand the behavior of an electric circuit.

by Ayush Kumar Singh

Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)
1 What is KCL

KCL states that the algebraic sum of the currents entering and leaving a junction in an
electric circuit should be equal to zero. Simply put, no charge can build up at the
nodes as current flows in and out.

2 Where to apply KCL

KCL is applied in the analysis of complex circuits, to determine unknown currents,

and verify the calculations performed by other methods.

3 Example of KCL

If an electric circuit has two junctions connecting three resistors, KCL will require
application to four currents; two entering a node and two leaving it.
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
What is KVL
KVL states that the algebraic sum
of the voltage in a closed loop in
an electric circuit should be equal
to zero. Basically, the total voltage
drop across each component in a
loop in an electric circuit should
be equal to the EMF provided in
the circuit.
Where to apply KVL
KVL is applied in the analysis of
complex circuits, to determine
unknown voltages or to verify
voltage calculations performed by
other methods. KVL is also used
to determine voltage values across
a closed loop in a circuit.
Example of KVL
If an electric circuit has five
resistors with varying resistances
and a 12v battery as an EMF
source, the KVL can be applied in
a loop starting from the negative
terminal of the battery passing
through each resistor and returning
to the positive terminal of the
battery.
Summary

1 Kirchhoff's laws are essential 2 Kirchhoff's Current Law

They help electrical engineers to understand States that the algebraic sum of the currents
the behavior of an electric circuit, determine entering and leaving a junction in an electric
unknown voltages, and verify voltage circuit should be equal to zero.
calculations performed by other methods.

3 Kirchhoff's Voltage Law 4 Application

States that the algebraic sum of the voltage in a Kirchhoff's laws are useful for engineers who
closed loop in an electric circuit should be design and maintain various electrical circuits,
equal to zero. including those in buildings, vehicles, and
control systems.
Real-world Application
Domestic Circuit
Kirchhoff's law is significant in
domestic circuits as they involve
multiple nodes and loops,
especially rooms with many
electrical outlets.
Automotive Circuit
The efficiency of an
automobile's electrical system
can be improved through the
proper application of KVL and
KCL.
Telecommunication
Circuit
Kirchhoff's laws are used to
design and maintain the
transmission lines and cables,
which are essential for
telecommunication technology.
Kirchhoff's laws in action
An engineer designing a circuit

Uses Kirchhoff's laws to analyze and calculate unknown voltages and to ensure that their
workings are correct.

An electrician diagnosing an electric fault

Will first apply Kirchhoff's laws to detect and fix faults in a circuit.

A student preparing for electrical exams

Recall Kirchhoff's laws for the analysis of complex circuits.

Kirchhoff's laws in comparison to
Ohm's Law
Kirchhoff's law Ohm's Law

Useful for complex circuits Useful for basic circuits

Application in a closed loop Application at a single point

Results are voltages and currents Results are voltages and currents
Conclusion
Kirchhoff's laws are
essential
They lay the foundation of the
analysis of any electric circuit,
from the everyday domestic
circuits to the more complex
electronic circuits found in
telecommunication systems.
Kirchhoff's laws
enable success
Without Kirchhoff's laws,
designing and maintaining
electronic circuits would be near
impossible. They've helped
engineers and electricians achieve
numerous technological
advancements.
They're the backbone
of electrical
engineering
Having a good understanding of
Kirchhoff's laws is an essential
part of becoming an electrical
engineer. They lay the foundation
for the analysis of any electric
circuit.