Kirchhoff’s Laws
Kirchhoff’s laws are fundamental tools for analyzing electrical circuits. They are based on the
principles of conservation of energy and conservation of charge. These laws help in solving
circuits with multiple loops and junctions, which cannot be solved using Ohm’s law alone.
1. Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) - Based on energy conservation.
2. Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) - Based on charge conservation.
1. Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
Statement:
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law states that the sum of all voltages around any closed loop or mesh in
a circuit is equal to zero.
𝑉=0
This means that the algebraic sum of all the potential differences (voltage drops and rises) in
any closed loop of a circuit must equal zero.
Explanation:
KVL is derived from the conservation of energy principle.
In a closed loop, energy supplied by sources (voltage rise) is equal to the energy
consumed by resistors or other components (voltage drop).
If we start at a point in a loop and return to the same point, the total energy gained by
charges in the loop is zero.
How to Apply KVL:
1. Identify a Closed Loop: Choose a closed loop or mesh in the circuit for analysis.
2. Choose a Direction: Assign a direction for moving around the loop (either clockwise
or counter clockwise).
3. Identify Voltage Rises and Drops:
o Moving from the negative to the positive terminal of a component (like a
battery) is considered a voltage rise (+).
o Moving from the positive to the negative terminal of a component is considered
a voltage drop (−).
4. Form the Equation: Write an equation where the sum of voltage rises and drops equals
zero.
5. Solve the Equation: Solve for unknown quantities like current or voltage.
Example of KVL Application:
Consider a loop with a battery of V volts and two resistors R1 and R2 in series:
1. Start at any point in the loop and move in a chosen direction (e.g., clockwise).
2. Write down the voltages:
o The voltage of the battery is +V.
o The voltage drop across R1 is −I R1 (Ohm’s law).
o The voltage drop across R2 is −I R2.
3. Write the KVL equation:
𝑉 − 𝐼𝑅1 − 𝐼𝑅2 = 0
4. Rearrange to find the current I:
𝑉
𝐼=
𝑅1 + 𝑅2
1. Here, The above circuit is a closed loop or mesh. So, we can apply kvl to the
circuit. Assuming moving direction is clock wise direction.
2. Write down voltages:
The voltage of the first battery is +V =+ 5v
The voltage drop across R1 is -V1 = -IR1 = −𝐼 ∗ 5
The voltage drop across R2 is -V2 = -IR2 = −𝐼 ∗ 10
The voltage of the second battery is -V = - 2v
The voltage drop across R3 is -V3 = −𝐼𝑅3 = −𝐼 ∗ 15
3. Write the KVL equation:
𝑉 − 𝑉1 − 𝑉2 − 𝑉 − 𝑉3 = 0
+5 − 𝐼𝑅1 − 𝐼𝑅2 − 2 − 𝐼𝑅3 = 0
+5 − 𝐼 ∗ 5 − 𝐼 ∗ 10 − 2 − 𝐼 ∗ 15 = 0
+5 − 2 = 𝐼 ∗ 5 + 𝐼 ∗ 10 + 𝐼 ∗ 15
+3 = 𝐼(5 + 10 + 15)
+3 = 𝐼(30)
3
𝐼=
30
𝑰 = 𝟎. 𝟏 𝑨
Applications of KVL:
KVL is used to analyze loops in series circuits.
It is essential in finding the voltage drops across resistors in series.
Useful in AC circuit analysis with inductors and capacitors by applying impedance.
