Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro

Department of Computer System Engineering

Bachelor of Computer of Science
Applied Physics (2nd Semester, 1st Year)

LAB HANDOUT # 06

Name: Roll Number:

Score: Signature of Tutor: Date:

KIRCHHOFF’S VOLTAGE LAW

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the Basics of Kirchhoff’s Law and Verify Kirchhoff’s

Voltage Law (KVL)

EQUIPMENT & CIRCUIT COMPONENTS REQUIRED:

 Multi-sim Software & Breadboard
 Digital Multimeter
 DC Power Supply
 Resistors with different ratings
 Connecting wires

THEORY:

Kirchhoff's circuit laws are two equalities that deal with the current and potential
difference (commonly known as voltage) in the lumped element model of electrical circuits. For
solving the Complex calculations of Series, Parallel or combination of both, Kirchhoff’s circuit
Law is normally used. Normally Kirchhoff’s circuit Law is divided into:

1. Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

2. Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

KIRCHHOFF’S VOLTAGE LAW (KVL):

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (or Kirchhoff's Loop Rule) is a

result of the electrostatic field being conservative. It states
that the total voltage around a closed loop must be zero. If
this were not the case, then when we travel around a closed
loop, the voltages would be indefinite. So;

Figure 1: Kirchhoff's Voltage

1|Page
In Figure 1 the total voltage around loop 1 should sum to zero, as does the total voltage in loop2.
Furthermore, the loop which consists of the outer part of the circuit (the path ABCD) should also
sum to zero.
We can adopt the convention that potential gains (i.e. going from lower to higher potential, such
as with an EMF source) is taken to be positive. Potential losses (such as across a resistor) will
then be negative.

However, as long as you are consistent in doing your problems, you should be able to choose
whichever convention you like.

PROCEDURE:
 Make a circuit in Multi-SIM and on breadboard as shown in figure 2.
 Find VR1, VR2 , VR3 & VR4 as explained in the lecture
 Fill the exercise table.
 Verify KVL for both loops

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM: Possible to design the circuit on breadboard to measure the voltage
values across each resistor / to simulate the voltage values across each resistor through Multisim.

1 2

Figure 2: Circuit diagram of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law

EXERCISE TABLE:

Voltage Source = 9 V
 Measured/Simulated Values:

VR1 = For R1=

VR2 = For R2=

VR3 = For R3=

VR4 = For R4=

 In Calculation / Theory:

VR1 = For R1=

VR2 = For R2=

VR3 = For R3=

VR4 = For R4=

Loop # 1 Loop # 2

Verify KVL

Review Questions:

Q1. What do you mean by KVL? Write any two application KVL.
Q2. What is difference between open circuit and short circuit?

FINAL CHECK LIST

1. Return all equipment and material to their proper storage area
2. Submit your answers to questions, and results before the next laboratory