Applied Electricity and Electronics

Prof. Mohammad Salman Aslam

Faculty of Engineering
Applied Electricity & Electronics
Faculty of Engineering - UCP

University of Central Punjab

Lecture No: 2 Kirchhoff’s Current and Voltage Laws

Kirchhoff’s Laws – Series and Parallel Circuits – Total Current
and Source Voltage in Series/Parallel Circuits – Total
Resistance – Nodes – loops – Branches – KCL/KVL 1
Applied Electricity & Electronics
Lecture - 2
Kirchhoff's laws; Active and passive circuit elements and
rules for combining them in series and parallel
arrangements. Electrical circuit essentials, symbols and
schematic diagrams. Kirchhoff’s voltage law in a loop and
voltage division rule. Kirchhoff’s current law in node pair
circuits and current division rule. Circuit reduction
employing series parallel rules and solving ladder networks
employing Ohm and Kirchhoff laws.
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• Multiple circuit components can basically be
connected either in series or in parallel.
• Three light bulbs connected to a battery with a
single wire in series circuit are shown here.
• Circuits are more often represented schematically
than pictorially as drawn here.
• Schematic circuit shown next represent the same
circuit with bulbs and battery replaced with
appropriate circuit symbols.

• The defining characteristic of a series circuit is that there is only one

path for electrons to flow.
• Symbolically this is expressed as IT = IR1 = IR2 = IR3.
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• Removal of any component from a series circuit disconnect the loop.

• Total Current in a series circuit can be found using Ohm’s law i.e. by
computing IT = VT/RT. where RT = R1 + R2 + R3 + … + Rn.

• Total resistance can also be determined by Ohm’s law as well, if we

know voltage applied and current that flows in circuit i.e. RT = VT/IT.

• For example; in a circuit below, RT = VT/IT = 90/2 = 45  by Ohm’s

Law & also by series addition RT = R1 + R2 + R3 = 5 + 10 + 30 = 45 .
• Source Voltage in Series Circuits;
divides in direct proportion to value
of resistors i.e. VT = VR1 + VR2 + VR3.
• In shown circuit, 90 = 10 + 20 + 60
• Largest resistor dominates the series
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circuit, drawing maximum power.
• Parallel Circuits; like the series circuits are multi-load circuits, but
have more than one path for current to flow, as shown in circuit here.
• Each different current path is called
branch, shown circuit has 3
branches.

• Voltage across a parallel circuit remain same i.e. VT = VR1 = VR2 = VR3.

• However current in parallel circuits has same relationship as voltage

in series circuits i.e. IT = IR1 + IR2 + IR3 + …..

• Current in parallel circuits divides in inverse proportion to amount of

resistance in each branch, remember I= V/R, Ohm’s Law.

• Branch of a parallel circuit with least resistance dominates the circuit

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i.e. lowest resistance takes the most current and hence power.
• Total resistance of a parallel circuit; is always less than the lowest
branch resistance existing in the parallel combination.

• Total Resistance in parallel circuit is given by reciprocal formula i.e.

1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + … + 1/Rn also RT = 1/ (1/R1) + (1/R2) + … + (1/Rn).

• We can also find the total resistance of parallel circuit employing

Ohm's Law i.e. RT = VT/IT.
• For summing up only two resistors R1 and R2 in parallel combination,
the reciprocal formula is simplified into, R1,2 + (R1 x R2)/(R1 + R2).
• When n-resistors of same value are connected in parallel then their
sum can be obtained computing RT = R/n.
• Circuit elements once arranged in combined series-parallel
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arrangements are governed by combined series and parallel rules.
Kirchhoff’s Laws
• Kirchhoff’s Laws are the starting point for analysis of any circuit and
are very effective in determining the unknown circuit parameters.

• There are number of terms and assumptions that are employed

frequently in analysis of circuits using Kirchhoff’s Laws.
• We will analyze only lumped-parameter

circuits in this course.

• Let us identify nodes, loops and branches

in the network shown here?

• A node is a point of connection for two or more circuit elements.

• For example; points 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 on the equivalent circuit drawn

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here are all nodes.
• A loop is simply a closed current path in the circuit in which NO node
is encountered more than once e.g. path interconnecting nodes 1, 3, 5,
2, 1 is a loop, but path linking nodes 1, 3, 4, 5, 3, 2,1 is NOT a loop as
it twice encounters node-3. Loop over single closed path is mesh.

• Branch is a portion of circuit containing only a single element and

nodes at each end of the element e.g. circuit above has 8 branches.
• Kirchhoff’s Current Law abbreviated as KCL draws relationship
between the currents entering and leaving a node.
• It states that “algebraic sum of currents entering any node is zero”.

• Applying KCL to node shown here the

KCL or node or nodal equation we get
will be; I1 + I2 – I3 = 0 8
• Multiplying this KCL equation with – 1 we get – I1 – I2 + I3 = 0,
which leads us to defining KCL in an alternative way.
• Alternatively KCL is stated as “algebraic sum of currents leaving a
node is zero” i.e. – I1 – I2 + I3 = 0 is also a valid node equation.
• We can also define KCL as “algebraic sum of currents entering a
node is equal to sum of currents leaving the node” i.e. I1 + I2 = I3.
• Example 2.5; Write KCL equation for nodes in
network drawn on right side?
• Node equations for node-1 to 5 of the network
shown will be as follows,
• At Node-1; I1 – I2 – I3 = 0 and at Node-2; I1 – I4 + I6 = 0.
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• At Node-3; I2 + I5 = I4 +I7, Node-4; I5 = I3 + I8 & Node-5; I6 + I7 = I8.

• Example2.6; Find the unknown currents in
the circuit drawn here?
• Write KCL equations assuming that currents
leaving a node are positive.
• At node-1; – I1 + 60 mA + 20 mA = 0 OR I1 = 80 mA.

• At node-4; I5 – 20 mA – 30 mA = 0 OR I5 = 50 mA.
• At node-3; I4 + 40 mA – 60 mA –I5 = 0 OR I4 = 70mA.
• At node-2; I1 – I4 + I6 = 0 OR I6 = – 10 mA.
• Exercise 2.4; Find the unknown currents in the circuits drawn below?
• Fig (a), I1 = 6 mA.

• Fig (b), I1 = 8 mA.

• Fig (b), I2 = 5 mA.

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• Kirchhoff’s second law is known as Kichhoff’s Voltage Law or KVL.

• It states that “algebraic sum of the voltages around any loop is zero”.

• Recall Source Voltage in a loop (i.e. series circuits) divides across the
loads (the resistive parts of the circuit) in the path of current.

• Voltage developed across the load, when current is flowing though it

is referred to as Voltage Drop.

• Since Voltage Drop is part of the Source Voltage.

• Hence sum of all voltage drops must equal source voltage in a loop.

• KVL is applied independently to each loop in the network.

• Voltage drop across a load resister has a polarity, which not only
indicates the direction of current flow but also energy transfer status.
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• It is important to keep track of the voltage polarity, as we traverse a
loop and appreciate energy transfer status of elements in the loop.
• In applying KVL to any loop in network we must sum to zero the
increase and decrease in energy levels just as we kept track of currents
entering and leaving a node while writing a KCL equation.
• We have a choice here too to treat increase in energy level as positive
or negative and vice versa.
• In this course we will always consider decrease in energy level as
positive and increase in energy level being negative.
• As we move around a loop we will add plus sign to voltage that we
counter if it represent decrease in energy level.
• Conversely we will add minus sign to encountered voltage if it
represent increase in energy level.
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• Let us apply KVL to a given loop and draw loop or KVL equations.
• Example 2.9; Find VR3 in the
drawn network, if VR1 & VR2 are
18 V and 12 V respectively?
• Answer; Starting at point a and
traversing loop in clockwise
direction, we find.
• 18 – 5 +12 – 15 + VR3 – 30 = 0.
• Hence VR3 = 20 V.
• Example 2.10; Let us draw loop
equations in drawn network?
• This network has three loops.
• KCL equation for left loop is VR1 + VR4 – 16 – 24 = 0.
• For right loop is VR2 + VR3 + 8 +16 – VR4 = 0.
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• For the outermost loop it is VR1 + VR2 + VR3 + 8 – 24 = 0.
Single Loop Circuits
• Single loop circuit is a series circuit where source voltage divides
across the resistors in direct proportion to their resistances.
• Applying KCL to every node in a single loop circuit confirms that
only one current flows through the entire loop.
• Let’s apply “KVL and Ohm’s law” to find unknown circuit
parameters in a single loop circuit.
• We will always assume that current in a loop flows in clockwise
direction, sign with computed current will reveal true direction.
• In essence given the applied voltage (V) and total resistance (RS) in a
loop we can find the voltage drop (VRi) across any resistor Ri
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employing the “voltage divider rule” i.e. VRi = Ri/RS x V.
• Single loop multiple source and/OR resistor networks, are easier to
solve once simplified into simple circuit.
• Let us see first how can multiple sources be combined together.
• A single loop multiple source and resistor network is shown here.
• As decided earlier we assume the current to
be flowing in clockwise direction.
• KVL equation for the loop can be written as,
• VR1 + V2 – V3 + VR2 + V4 + V5 – V1 = 0.
• OR; VR1 + VR2 = – V2 + V3 – V4 – V5 + V1.
• OR; (R1 + R2)I = V where V = V1 + V3 – (V2 + V4 + V5).
• Thus sum of voltage sources in series can be replaced by one source
whose value is algebraic sum of individual sources.
• Expressed in equivalent circuit it is shown here.
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• It can be generalized to circuit with N-sources.
• Now consider a single loop circuit with N resistors as shown here.
• KVL equation for the loop can be written
as V = VR1 + VR2 + … + VN. OR
• V = IR1 + IR2 + …+IRN. OR
• V = IRS where RS = R1 + R2 + ... + RN.
• Thus equivalent resistance of N resistors
in series is simply the sum of individual
resistances as is evident from the
equivalent circuit drawn on right.
• Example 2.15; Find series current I and
power absorbed by 30 k resistor in
network shown here.
• Also find voltage drop across the 20 k
resistor of the circuit by employing
voltage division rule? 16
• We can find the current either by Ohm’s Law or applying KVL.

• Applying Ohm’s Law I = V/RT = (6 – 12)/ (10 k + 20 k + 30 k).

• Solving it reveals series current I = – 0.1 mA.

• Applying KVL 10kI + 20kI + 12 +30kI – 6 = 0 OR I = – 0.1 mA.

• Power absorbed by 30 k resister is P = I2R = 0.3 mW.

• To compute voltage across 20 k resistor by voltage division rule,

two sources in the circuit, must first be summed up as one source.
• Being “series opposing”, the two sources will
in fact be subtracted and their equivalent will
be 6 V source with polarity as shown here .

• By VDR, Vbc = (20 k/60k) x (– 6) = – 2 V.

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Single Node-Pair Circuits
• Single node-pair circuit is a parallel circuit with just two nodes, as
shown here.
• Total current in single node pair circuit is
given by Ohm's Law i.e. I = V/RP.
• The manner in which current divides between the branches of single
node pair circuit is known as “current division rule”.

• When only two resistors are in parallel then a simpler “current

division rule” derived from RT = (R1 x R2) / (R1 + R2), provides an
easy solution i.e. I1 = I x (R2/(R1 + R2) and I2 = I x (R1/(R1 + R2).

• For n branch single node pair circuit IJ = RP/RJ x I describes “current

division rule” for the general case and reveals current in any branch.
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• We will always assume that the upper node is at higher potential then
the lower node in a single node-pair circuit.

• Example 2.17; Find currents I1, I2 and voltage VO in a circuit below?

• Series resistors 40 k & 80 k are in parallel

with 60 k resistor, allowing application of

“current division rule” to find I1 and I2.

• I1 = {(40 k + 80 k)/(60 k + 40 k + 80 k)} x 0.9/k = 0.6 mA, and,

• I2 = {(60 k)/(60 k + 40 k + 80 k)} x 0.9/k = 0.3 mA.

• VO = 80 k x I2 = 24 V by Ohm’s Law, which can be verified by

“voltage division rule” i.e. since source voltage V1 = 0.9/k x 40 k = 36 V,

hence by voltage division VO = {80k / (40 k +80 k)} x 36 = 24 V.

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• Example 2.18; Find the power absorbed by resistors shown in single
node-pair circuit drawn below?

• Since both the resistors are of equal

resistance, source current must
divide equally between the two.

• Hence power absorbed in each resistor P = (215/k)2 x 4 = 184.9 mW.

• Exercise 2.12; Find the currents and the power absorbed by the 40-k
resistor in the network drawn here.
• Source current must split in inverse
proportional to resistances ratio.
• With 1: 3 resistance ratio, I1 = 12 mA and I2 = – 4 mA.

• Hence power absorbed P40k = I2R = 5.76 W. 20

• Multiple sources/resistor networks;

• Consider network below that contains multiple sources and resistors.

• Apply KCL to upper node yield – I1 + I2 + I3 – I4 + I5 + I6 = 0.

• LHS of rearranged equation I1 – I3 + I4 – I6 = I2 + I5 represent all the

sources, which can be combined into single source i.e. IO = I2 + I5.
• Reduction into single source IO results
in equivalent circuit as drawn here.
• Summing up of sources can be
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extended to circuit with N-sources.
• Example 2.19; Find load current IL in the network drawn below?

• Combining the sources (4 – (1 + 2) = 1 mA) and resistors other than

the load (1/RP = 1/18k +1/9k + 1/12k) the circuit is reduced to fig b.

• Apply CDR (current divider rule) IL = – (4k/16k) x 1/k = – 0.25 mA.

• Negative sign was added as IL direction opposes source current.

• Recall we applied CDR of the form IR1 = IT{R2 / (R1 + R2)}, which is
applicable to circuit with only two branches, as shown above.

• We could have applied CDR in general form i.e. IJ = RP/RJ x IO and

obtained the same answer e.g. – (3k/12k) x 1/k = – 0.25 mA. 22
• Series-Parallel Circuits; possess some of the
features of both the series & parallel circuits.

• For example resistors R2 & R3 shown in the

fig (a) on right are in parallel to each other.

• However neither R2 nor R3 is directly in

series with R1 as same current does not flow
through each, but equivalent of R2 & R3 in
parallel, shown as R2,3 in fig (b) is in series
with R1.
• R2,3 is not a physical component but merely represent parallel
combination of R2 & R3.

• We can combine R1 & R2,3 in series to find R1,2,3 = RT as in fig (c). 23

• On similar analogy resistors R7 & R8 in series-
parallel circuit of fig (d) are in series, however
neither R7 nor R8 are directly in parallel with R9.

• Series-parallel circuit can easily be solved by

adding two resistor at a time (using series or
parallel rules as the case may be) and replacing
them with one resistor of resultant value.

• To solve this circuit first step is to add R7 & R8 in

series as represented by R7,8 in fig (e).
• Parallel circuit of fig (e) can now be reduced by the addition of
parallel resistors into equivalent simple circuit shown in fig (f).
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• Class Work; Solve the series – parallel circuits shown on next slide?
Answer; R3,5 = 50 + 30 = 80 , R3,4,5 = (80 x 80)/(80+80) = 40 ,
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R2,3,4,5 = 60 + 40 = 100  and RT = (200 x 100) / (200 + 100) = 66.7 .
• Example 2.20; Find resistance RAB in the network drawn below?

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