5.2.

EXERCISE TITLE : Kirchhoffs Current Law with a Two-Source Circuit

OBJECTIVES:
1. To apply Kirchhoffs current law to a circuit having two voltage sources.
2. To verify the results by using the measured data.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
1-F.A.C.E.T. Base Unit
1-DC NETWORK THEOREMS Circuit Board
2-15 Vdc Power Supply
1-Multimeter
THEORY:
Figure 5.2-1 shows a circuit with two voltage sources that are not connected with identical polarities.

Figure 5.2-1 A two voltage source circuit

Three node currents (IR1,IR2, and IR3) are shown in the figure. These currents are included below in
current formula that satisfies Kirchhoffs 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 the Kirchhoffs voltage
law, both VR1 and VR2 can be specified in terms of R3 and the circuit 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

VS 1 VR 3 VS 2 VR 3 VR 3

R1
R2
R3

You can check your solutions

verifying that they follow Kirchhoffs laws. They do if (1) the sum of
the voltages in any circuit loop equals zero, (2) the currents into and out of any circuit node are equal. If
your solutions indicate 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 negative sign.
PROCEDURES:
1. Locate the KIRCHHOFF SOLUTION WITH 2 SOURCES circuit block on the DC NETWORK
THEOREMS circuit board. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 5.2-2. Adjust each variable source for 10Vdc.

Figure 5.2-2. Two-source test circuit.

2. Determine and record the values of R1,R2 and R3.
R1= 0.75 k ; R2= 3.5 k ; R3=7.5 k

3. Based on the current directions given in Figure 5.2-3, write the current formula for NODE 1.
IR3= 797 A ; i1+i2=i3
4. Define each circuit current in terms of its voltage and resistance relationship (according to Ohms
Law). Refer to Figure 5.2-1 for help.
IR1=5.36 mA ;
IR2= -4.57 mA
;
IR3= 797 A
5. In Figure 5.2-3, which specific voltage drop will allow for a complete circuit solution?
HINT: Look for a common circuit element.
VDROP= 5.987 V

Figure 5.2-3
6. With respect to circuit common (Figure 5.8-3), measure and record the voltage across R3.
VR3= 5.987 volts
7. Based on your reading, is the voltage at NODE 1 positive or negative with respect to circuit common?
positive
8. Record the measured voltage drop of R3 and its proper polarity on Figure 5.2-4.

Figure 5.2-4.
9. Complete Figure 5.2-4 by showing the direction of each current (add arrowheads to the lines
provided), its magnitude, and the voltage drops of R1 and R2.
HINT: Each current is equal to a voltage drop divided by its resistance. Use electron flow (- to +) to
determine current direction.
10. Does the current through R3 flow in the same direction as selected in Figure 5.2-3? No.
11. Measure each voltage drop of your circuit. Do the results agree with the information generated for
Figure 5.2-4? Yes.
12. How can your calculations indicate when an assumed current direction is correct?
Through positive polarity as a result.
13. Are the currents in circuit paths A, B, and C (Figure 5.2-4) the same as IR1,IR2, and IR3? Yes.
CONCLUSIONS:

REVIEW QUESTIONS:
Encircle the letter of the best answer.
1. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 5.2-5. Place CM 18 switch in the ON position. Adjust each
voltage source to 10Vdc. Write the indicated currents.
a. I3=I1+I2
d. I3+I1+I2=0
b. I3=I1-I2
c. I3=I2-I1

Figure 5.2-5
2. With respect to circuit common, the voltage drop across R3
a. cannot be determined
d. is +6.05 volts
b. is -4.69 volts
c. is +4.69 volts
3. Based on the figure, the value of VR2 can be determined by
a. VS1-VR1
c. VR3+VR1
b. VS2+VR3
d. None of the above
4. With the circuit modification, the value of R2
a. Cannot be determined
b. is about 3600 ohms

c. is about 2278 ohms

d. is about 956 ohms

5. The value of I3
a. cannot be determined
b. is 5.26 mA

c. is 6.07 mA
d. is 7.07 mA

FIGURES FOR 5.1

(Review Questions)
5. The polarities chenes kemerut bla bla..
A.
B.

C.

ANSWERS for 5.1

1. N/A
2. VR1+VR3=VS1
3. Wala pa.
4. VS1,R1,R2,VS2
5. Wala pa din
6. N/A
7. N/A
8. loop 1: i1=5.36 mA
Loop 2: i2=4.57 mA
Loop 3: i3=797 A
9. Yes
10. Yes
11. Di pa nadadrawing.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. B
2. A
3. A
4. Wala pa
5. B

D.