Basic Electrical Engineering Laboratory Experiment No.

4
BASICEELAB Kirchhoff’s Laws

Experiment No. 4
KIRCHHOFF’s LAWS

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this activity are to:

1. apply Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws to a circuit having two voltage sources.
2. verify the results by using measured data.

DISCUSSION

Figure 4.1 shows a circuit with two voltage sources. Current is assumed to flow in the direction
shown.

Figure 4.1. Circuit with two voltage sources.

In this circuit, Ohm’s law cannot directly solve for the voltages and currents of the three
resistors.

Each voltage source provides a current through R3. But current can flow through R3 in both
directions. Therefore, the combination of currents produces a resultant current that flows in one
direction only.

The application of Kirchhoff’s laws to the circuit gives you this resultant current in R3. The
direction of the current is determined by the sign (+ or -) of the current.

A negative (-) sign for current through R3 indicates an incorrect assumption about the initial
current direction. If an incorrect assumption is made, reverse the direction of assumed current
flow through R3 and the circuit solutions will be correct.

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In the figure, the problem is to find the voltage drops of and the current flow through each
resistor. Kirchhoff’s laws can be applied to determine these circuit solutions.

Figure 4.2 shows a two-source circuit in which each voltage source is connected with the same
polarity toward NODE 1.

Figure 4.2. Kirchhoff’s voltage law application for two-source circuit.

There are three loops in the circuit, but only two are required for Kirchhoff’s voltage law
application.

There are two nodes in the circuit, but only one is required for Kirchhoff’s current law
application. This method is applied to the circuit in Figure 4.3.

Figure 4.3. Kirchhoff’s current law application for two-source circuit.

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Based on Kirchhoff’s current law, the current into NODE 1 (I1 + I2) must equal the current out of
NODE 1 (I3). Therefore, I3 = I1 + I2.

Figure 4.4 shows the node current specifications of the circuit. Voltage drops are used to specify
the current at the branch point – NODE 1 in this circuit. NODE 1 voltage is specified with
respect to a circuit common point.

Figure 4.4. Node specification of Figure 4.3.

In the figure, I1 + I2 =I3. This equation is in keeping with Kirchhoff’s current law. The currents can
now be stated in terms of voltage drops.

I1 + I2 = I3

(VR1 / R1) + (VR2 / R2) = (VR3 / R3)

Another method of applying Kirchhoff’s laws is to implement a solution using mesh currents. A
mesh is the simplest possible closed path within a circuit and is properly designated when there
are no branch circuits (Figure 4.5).

Figure 4.5. Mesh paths of a circuit.

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As shown by the figure, the difference between a mesh and a loop is that the mesh current does
not divide at a branch.

The mesh equations are based on the circuit of Figure 4.5 and the mesh detail is provided in
Figure 4.6 below.

Figure 4.6. Mesh current detail for Figure 5.5 circuit.

For MESH 1, start at A in Figure 4.6: (I1 x R1) + (I1 x R3) – (I2 x R3) = VS1
For MESH 2, start at B in Figure 4.6: (I2 x R2) + VS2 + (I2 x R3) – (I1 x R3) = 0
Rearranging to match that of MESH 1, (I1 x R3) - (I2 x R3) - (I2 x R2) = VS2

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law with a Two-Source Circuit

Figure 4.7 shows a circuit with two voltage sources that are not connected with identical
polarities.

Figure 4.7. A two-voltage source circuit.

The loop equations are generated by the application of Kirchhoff’s voltage law to LOOP 1 and
LOOP 2 of Figure 4.7.

LOOP 1 Equation LOOP 2 Equation

VS1 – VR3 – VR1 = 0 VS2 – VR2 – VR3 = 0

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The known values of the circuit resistors are then used in Ohm’s law to determine the IR
(voltage) drops.
VR1 = I1 x R1

VR2 = I2 x R2

For LOOP 1: VR3 = (I1 – I2) x R3

For LOOP 2: VR3 = (I2 – I1) x R3

The specified IR drops are then substituted into the LOOP 1 and LOOP 2 equations.

LOOP 1 Equation (expanded): VS1 – [(I1 – I2) x R3] – [I1 x R1] = 0

LOOP 2 Equation (expanded): VS2 – [I2 x R2] – [(I2 – I1) x R3] = 0

These two expanded equations provide the circuit solution. Notice that the equations include
every resistance in the circuit of Figure 4.7. Currents I1 and I2, must be determined from
simultaneous equations.

Kirchhoff’s Current Law with a Two-Source Circuit

Current relationships of Figure 4.7 is shown in Figure 4.8 below.

Figure 4.8. A two-voltage source circuit.

Three node currents (IR1, IR2 and IR3) are shown in Figure 4.8. These currents are included below
in a current formula that satisfies Kirchhoff’s current law.
IR1 + IR2 = IR3

Each of these currents can be represented by its volts / resistance relationship, as shown in the
figure. In these equations, there are three unknowns: VR1, VR2, and VR3. However, according to

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Kirchhoff’s voltage law, both VR1 and VR2 can be specified in terms of R3 and voltage sources:
VR1 = VS1 - VR3 and VR2 = VS2 - VR3
These values are substituted into the current formula to allow for the circuit solution.
IR1 + IR2 = IR3

[(VS1 – VR3) / R1] + [(VS2 - VR3) / R2] = (VR3 / R3)

You can check your solutions by verifying that they follow Kirchhoff’s laws. They do if (1) the
sum of the voltages in any circuit loop equals zero, and (2) the currents into and out of any
circuit node are equal.
If your solution indicates a negative current, your assumed current direction was incorrect. To fix
the error, simply show the current flowing in the opposite direction and remove the (-) sign.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

1 unit F.A.C.E.T. Base Unit

1 unit DC NETWORK THEOREMS Circuit Board

1 set Connection leads or connectors

1 unit Digital Multimeter

CHECKING ACTIVITIES
CAUTION!

High voltages are present in this experiment!

Do not make any connections to the FACET Base Unit with the power ON!
Make sure that the Unit is unplug and the main switch in the upper
right side of the Unit is in the OFF position and its variable supply
knobs is set to MINIMUM (full counterclockwise).

Digital Multimeter
1. Inspect for any physical break in the instrument
2. Set the instrument selector to test for continuity to turn ON the instrument
3. Check the LCD display for indication if battery is still good
4. If LCD indicator is not set for continuity test, push the SELECT button until it appears
5. Join the ends of the probes and you should hear and audible sound to check the
continuity of the probes
6. Set instrument to measure resistance

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DC NETWORK THEOREMS Circuit Board

7. Inspect for any physical break in the board any visually check for any resistor ends that
are disconnected from the board
8. Remove any connectors plugged if any
9. Find the circuit block for KIRCHHOFF’S SOLUTION WITH 2 SOURCES
10. Using the multimeter, measure the resistance of R1, R2 and R3 separately by inserting
the probes across the metal wholes directly across each resistor. Value you should get
for R1 must be near or equal to 750 Ω, for R2, 3600 Ω, and for R3, 7500 Ω.

FACET Base Unit

11. Inspect for any physical break in the Unit
12. Place main switch in the OFF position and all variable voltage adjustment knobs to
MINIMUM (full counterclockwise position)
13. Set all twenty circuit modification (CM) switches to OFF position
14. Slide the DC NETWORK THEOREMS Circuit Board into the steel aluminum rail on
either side of the Base Unit and slowly push the Board until it meets the Zero Insertion
Force (ZIF) connector.
15. Slowly rotate the knob located to the right of the Base Unit towards you to lock the Board
into the ZIF connector.

Connecting Wires
16. Check each wire for continuity using the multimeter

Working Table Power Supply

17. Set your digital multimeter to measure AC voltage.
18. Show your setting to the instructor before you plug it to the wall outlet nearest your table
19. Check the outlet’s AC voltage at your table if it is at least 220V but not greater than
280V. Sound off reading to your instructor for him to approve your reading

PROCEDURE

4.1 Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law with a Two-Source Circuit

1. Locate the KIRCHHOFF’S SOLUTION WITH 2 SOURCES circuit block on the DC

NETWORK THEOREMS circuit board. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 4.9. Adjust
each variable source to 10 Vdc.

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Figure 4.9. Two-source test circuit.

2. Write the equation that applies to VS1, VR1, and VR3. (1 point)

Vs1-Vr1-Vr3=0

Write the equation that applies to VS2, VR2, and VR3. (1 point)

Vs2+Vr3-Vr2=0

3. Two loops are shown in Figure 4.9. What circuit components define the circuit’s third
loop? (1 point)

Vs1, Vs2, Vr1 and Vr2

Write the equation that applies for the third loop described in step 4? (1 point)

Vs1-Vr1-Vr2+Vs2

4. Measure the voltage drops of R1, R2, and R3. Enter these values in Figure 4.10. Do not
put yet a + or – sign to the readings. (6 points)

15.84
3.95 vv

5.9 v

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Figure 4.10. Voltage distribution in a two-source circuit.

5. Based on the relationships you described in steps 2, 3, and 5, assign the proper voltage
polarities to the voltage drops of Figure 4.10.

6. Using the values and signs of Figure 4.10, write the voltage equation with values for
each circuit loop. (3 points)

LOOP 1, or I1 loop: 10V-3.95-5.99=0

LOOP 2, or I2 loop: 10+5.99-15.83=0
LOOP 3: 10-3.95-15.83+10=0

7. Do the results of step 8 agree with Kirchhoff’s voltage law?

Yes, It aggress with Kirchhoff’s voltage law

8. Does Kirchhoff’s voltage law apply to a two-source voltage circuit?

Yes

4.2 Kirchhoff’s Current Law with a Two-Source Circuit

Figure 4.11. Assumed current direction using electron flow.

9. Determine and record the values of R1, R2, and R3 using a digital multimeter.

R1 = 752 Ω (1 point) R3 = 7440 Ω (1 point)

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R2 = 3546 Ω (1 point)

10. Based on the current directions given in Figure 4.11 (electron flow is being followed
here), write the current formula for NODE 1. (1 point)

IR3 = Ir1 + Ir2

11. Define each circuit current in terms of its voltage and resistance equations (according to
Ohm’s law). Refer to Figure 4.8 for help.

IR1 = Vr1/R1 (1 point) IR3 = Vr3/ R3 (1 point)

IR2= Vr2/R2 (1 point)

12. In Figure 4.11, which specific voltage drop will allow for a complete circuit solution?
(0.5 point)

Vr2

13. Record the measured voltage drops in step 6 as well as its proper polarity on Figure
4.12. (6 points)

5.99 v
3.95 ohms
3.95 v 15.83 v

5.25 mA 4.46 mA

0.81 mA

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Figure 4.12.

14. Complete Figure 4.12 by showing the direction of each current using electron flow (- to
+) (add arrowheads to the lines provided). Compute its magnitude. Show computations
below. (3 points)

Hint: Each current is equal to a voltage drop divided by its resistance. Use electron flow (- to +) to
determine current direction.

IR1 = ___3.95/752_______ = ___5.25mA__ IR3 = __5.99/7445__ =0.81mA

IR2= __15.83/3546_____ =4.46mA

15. Does the current through R3 flow in the same direction as selected in Figure 4.11?

No_______________________________________________________________

16. How can your calculations indicate when an assumed current direction is correct? (0.5
point)
If the calculation for the current is positive, then the assumed direction is correct

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. The circuit in Figure 4.13

a. 4 possible loops.
b. 3 possible loops.
c. 2 possible loops.
d. only 1 possible loop.

2. The circuit in Figure 4.13 has

Figure 4.13
a. 4 nodes.
b. 3 nodes.
c. 2 nodes.
d. no nodes.

3. Based on Kirchhoff’s voltage law and

on the circuit of Figure 4.14, the combined
R1-R2 voltage drop must equal
a. 15 volts.
b. 10 volts.
c. 5 volts. Figure 4.14

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d. 2.5 volts.

4. In the Figure 4.14 circuit,

a. V2 – VR1 – V3 – VR2 + V1 = 0.
b. V2 – VR1 + V3 – VR2 + V1=0.
c. V1 + V2 + V3 – VR1 – VR2 = 0.
d. V1 + V2 + V3 = 25 Volts.

5. Based on Kirchhoff’s current law and on the circuit of Figure 4.15, the combined R2-R3
current equals
a. zero.
b. the total current (IT) plus IR1.
c. IT – IR1.
d. IR1.

6. In Figure 4.15,
a. IT = IR2 + IR3.
b. IT - IR2 - IR3 = 0.
c. None of the above.
d. Both a and b.
Figure 4-15
7. Which statement applies to the circuit in Figure 4.16?
a. (VS1 – VA) / R1 = (VS2 – VA / R2) + (VA / R3).
b. The currents of each node must equal zero.
c. Both Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s current law can be applied to the circuit.
d. All the above statements are correct.

8. The circuit shown in Figure 4.16 has

a. 3 loops, 3 nodes, and 3 mesh paths.
b. 3 loops, 4 nodes, and 2 mesh paths.
c. 2 loops, 2 nodes, and 2 mesh paths
d. 2 loops, 2 nodes, and 1 mesh path.
Figure 4.16
9. In the Figure 4.16 circuit, VS1 = VS2 and R1, R2, and R3 are equal in value. As a result,
a. Both VR3 and IR3 equal zero.
b. VR3 = VS1 + VS2.
c. VR3 = VS1 or VS2, but not both.
d. VR3 and IR3 cannot be determined without circuit values.

10. For the outer loop of the circuit described in question 9, the sum of the voltage drops
a. is greater than VR3.
b. equals VR3.
c. is less than VR3.
d. cannot be determined.

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CONCLUSIONS

Make a general statement on the following:

1. Two ways to express Kirchhoff’s voltage law; (5 points)

-The algebraic sum of all the voltages around any closed lop in a circuit is equal zero
-All voltage drop equals to all voltage rise

2. In a given single loop, comparison of individual voltage drops to the loop’s source
voltage; (2 points)
-Voltage source should be higher than the individual voltage drop.

3. In the experiment that has 3 loops and 2 sources, comparison of individual voltage drops
to the loop’s source voltage (consider the outer most loop); (4 points)
-Voltage source should be higher than the individual voltage drop.

4. Comparing multimeter sign indication of voltage reading versus complying Kirchhoff’s

voltage law; (3 points)
If the value is positive then It complies with Kirchhoff’s voltage law.

5. Two ways to express Kirchhoff’s current law; (5 points)

-Current going in must be equal to the current going out.
-The sum of the current in a node is equal to 0

6. A way to determine branch currents after the voltage at the nodes are known; (4 points)
-The difference between the two voltages of the nodes divided by the resistor. You will
be able to get the current of the branch

7. An indication that an assumed current direction is incorrect in the course of computing its
magnitude; (3 points)
-If current is negative then direction is wrong

8. Comparison of conventional current flow and electron flow; (4 points)

-The conventional current flows from positive terminal to negative terminal.

-The electron flows from negative terminal to positive terminal.

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SIGN OFF (to be removed when finalizing)

Section: L077 Date Performed:

Group Name (if applicable):

Group Members: Signature:
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Instructor: ACIO, Ronald Q

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