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: V R1,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.

I R 1
I R 2
I R 3
You can check your solutions VS1 VR 3 VS2 VR 3 VR 3

verifying that they follow

R1
R2
R3

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 5.83), 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. Complet
e
Figure
5.2-4
by

showing the direction of each current (add arrowheads to the lines provided), its
magnitude, and the voltage drops of R 1 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 I R1,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
b. I3=I1-I2

c. I3=I2-I1
d. I3+I1+I2=0

Figure 5.2-5
2. With respect
to
circuit
common,
the voltage
drop across
R3
a.
cannot
be
determined

b. is
-4.69
volts
c. is
+4.69
volts
d. is +6.05 volts

3. Based on the figure, the value of V R2 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
c. is about 2278 ohms
b. is about 3600 ohms
d. is about 956 ohms
5. The value of I3
a. cannot be determined
b. is 5.26 mA

FIGURES FOR 5.1

c. is 6.07 mA
d. is 7.07 mA

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