Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Pablo Borbon Main II, Alangilan Batangas City
College of Engineering, Architecture & Fine Arts
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
www.batstate-u.edu.ph Tel. No. (043) 425-0139 loc. 118

Laboratory Activity 3

Kirchhoff’s Law

Submitted by:

Magboo, Francis Carl G.

Organo, Joseph Ver Remar B.

Panganiban, Nathaniel Olin A.

EE-2102A

Submitted to:

Delen, Margielou T.

Instructor I

September 10, 2021

 Laboratory Activity 3

Kirchhoff’s Law

I.OBJECTIVES

1. Voltage and current measurements in a dc circuit.

2. Verification of Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws.

II.MATERIALS

• One dc power supply

• One multimeter

• Assorted carbon resistors

III. DISCUSSION

This laboratory activity deals with the analysis of an electrical circuit which is the
Kirchhoff’s Laws. This law was developed by Gustav Kirchhoff, a German physicist which
deals with the conservation of current and energy within electrical circuits. Kirchhoff’s Law
is composed of two laws; the Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL), which deals with the current
flowing around a closed circuit; and the Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL), which deals with
the voltage sources present in a closed circuit.

In addition to, Kirchhoff’s Current Law states that the total current or charge
entering the node is exactly equal to the charge leaving the node. A node is the point of
connection between two or more branches in the circuit. KCL also means that the algebraic
sum of all the currents entering and leaving the node must be equal to zero. This idea by
Kirchhoff is commonly known as the Conservation of Charge.
 Figure I. Node A

Take figure I as an example where it shows that the current AB and AD leaving
node A, while current FA entering the node A. And according to KCL, therefore;

IFA – IAB – IAD = 0

IFA = IAB + IAD

On the other hand, Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law states that in any closed loop in the
circuit, the total voltage around the loop is equal to the sum of all the voltage drops within the
same loop which is also equal to zero. It means that the algebraic sum of all voltages in the
loop must be equal to zero and this idea by Kirchhoff is known as the Conservation of Energy.
 Figure II. Loop ABCEFA

In the figure, consider the loop ABCEFA as an example and by KVL, the equation
will be;

Vs – V1 + V2 = 0

Kirchhoff’s Law is a very useful way in getting the values of the voltages and
currents that are unknown in a circuit. And knowing the branches, loops, nodes, and more
terminologies in analyzing the circuit, is very important to be able to use the Kirchhoff’s Law.

IV. PROCEDURE

1. Construct the circuit shown in figure 1 using Multisim.

2. Measure the voltages VAB, VBC, VAD, VDC, VBD, and VAC. Enter the values in Table
1. Note the polarities of the voltages.

3. Measure the currents IAB, ICB, IAD, ICD, and IFA and enter the values in Table 2. Note
the polarity (sign) of the currents.

4. Calculate the voltages around the following loops and record them in Table 4: ABCEFA,
ABDA, BDCB, ABCDA.

5. Verify KCL by adding the currents at nodes A, B, C, D. Enter your results in Table 3.

6. Construct the circuit in figure 1 with hardwire components. Repeat steps 2 – 5. Enter your
results in Tables 1 – 4. Considering the Multisim results as the base value, compute the
percentage errors.
V. DATA AND RESULTS, COMPUTATION, DRAWINGS AND TABLES

MULTISIM ELECTRONICS WORKBENCH

Construct the circuit shown in figure 1 using Multisim.

Figure 3. Simulation of resistive circuit using Multisim Software

The figure 3 above illustrates the circuits which consists of different resistors
powered by a DC supply of 10V. R1 and R2 are connected to each other in series, with a value
of 220Ω and 150Ω, respectively. Moreover, R3 and R4 are also connected to each other in
series, with a value of 330Ω and 100Ω, respectively.
Measure the voltages VAB, VBC, VAD, VDC, VBD, and VAC. Enter the values in Table 1.
Note the polarities of the voltages.

Figure 4. Simulation of resistive circuit using Multisim Software measuring voltage

The figure 4 above illustrates the circuits which consists of different resistors
powered by a DC supply of 10V. Alongside with that, it also shows the different values of
voltage measured by the multimeters. For the value of VAB = 5.946V, VCB = -4.054V, VAD =
7.674V, VCD = -2.326V, VBD = 1.728V and VAC = 10V.
Measure the currents IAB, ICB, IAD, ICD, and IFA and enter the values in Table 2.
Note the polarity (sign) of the currents.

Figure 5. Simulation of resistive circuit using Multisim Software measuring current

The figure 5 above illustrates the circuits which consists of different resistors
powered by a DC supply of 10V. Alongside with that, it also shows the different values of
current measured by the multimeters. For the value of IAB = 27.027mA, ICB = -27.027mA, IAD
= 23.256mA, ICD = -23.256mA, and IFA = 50.283mA. Note that the negative value is indication
of wrong assumption of current flow.

Calculate the voltages around the following loops and record them in Table 4: ABCEFA,
ABDA, BDCB, ABCDA.

Loop @ ABCEFA Loop @ ABDA

𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐸𝐹𝐴 = 𝑉𝑆 − 𝑉𝐴𝐵 + 𝑉𝐵𝐶 𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐷𝐴 = −𝑉𝐴𝐵 − 𝑉𝐵𝐷 + 𝑉𝐴𝐷

𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐸𝐹𝐴 = 10𝑉 − 5.946𝑉 + (−4.054𝑉 ) 𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐷𝐴 = −5.946V − 1.728𝑉 + 7.674𝑉
𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐸𝐹𝐴 = 0𝑉 𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐷𝐴 = 0𝑉
Loop @ BDCB

𝑉𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐵 = −𝑉𝐵𝐷 + 𝑉𝐶𝐷 − 𝑉𝐶𝐵

𝑉𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐵 = −1.728V + (−2.326V) − (−4.084V)
𝑉𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐵 = 0𝑉

Loop @ ABCDA

𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐴 = −𝑉𝐴𝐵 + 𝑉𝐵𝐶 − 𝑉𝐶𝐷 + 𝑉𝐴𝐷

𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐴 = −5.946V + (−4.054V) − (−2.326V) + 7.674V)
𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐴 = 0𝑉

Verify KCL by adding the currents at nodes A, B, C, D. Enter your results in Table 3.

KCL @ Node A: KCL @ Node B:

𝐼𝐹𝐴 − 𝐼𝐴𝐵 − 𝐼𝐴𝐷 = 0 𝐼𝐴𝐵 + 𝐼𝐶𝐵 = 0

50.283𝑚𝐴 − 27.027mA − 23.256mA = 0 27.027𝑚𝐴 + (−27.027𝑚𝐴 ) = 0
✓ ✓
0=0 0=0

KCL @ Node D: KCL @ Node C:

𝐼𝐴𝐷 + 𝐼𝐶𝐷 = 0 − 𝐼𝐴𝐵 − 𝐼𝐴𝐷 − 𝐼𝐶𝐸 = 0

23.256𝑚𝐴 + (−23.256𝑚𝐴) = 0 − (−23.256mA) − (−27.027𝑚𝐴) − 50.283𝑚𝐴 = 0
✓ ✓
0=0 0=0
 COMPUTED MANUALLY BY OHM’S LAW

Computation for the unknown value of Current for all resistors

Figure 6. The Illustration of the loops of the Resistive Current

The figure 6 above illustrates the circuits which consists of different resistors
powered by a DC supply of 10V. It also shows the loop where the flow of current passing
through node A, B, C, E, and F, which is indicated by purple wallop. While the loop passing
through A, D, C, E, and F is indicated by peach wallop.

COMPUTATIONS:

KCL @ NODE A:

𝐼𝐹𝐴 = 𝐼𝐴𝐵 + 𝐼𝐴𝐷 → 𝑒𝑞. 1

KCL @ NODE B:
 𝐼𝐴𝐵 + 𝐼𝐶𝐵 = 0 → 𝑒𝑞. 2

KCL @ NODE D:

𝐼𝐴𝐷 + 𝐼𝐶𝐷 = 0 → 𝑒𝑞. 3

KVL @ LOOP ABCEF:

𝑉𝑠 − 𝑉𝐴𝐵 + 𝑉𝐶𝐵 = 0
10𝑉 − 𝐼𝐴𝐵 (220Ω) + 𝐼𝐶𝐵 (150Ω) = 0 → 𝑒𝑞. 4

KVL @ LOOP ADCEF:

𝑉𝑠 − 𝑉𝐴𝐷 + 𝑉𝐶𝐷 = 0
10𝑉 − 𝐼𝐴𝐷 (330Ω) + 𝐼𝐶𝐷 (100Ω) = 0 → 𝑒𝑞. 5

SUBSTITUTE EQ. 2 TO EQ. 4

10𝑉 − (−𝐼𝐶𝐵 )(220Ω) + 𝐼𝐶𝐵 (150Ω) = 0

𝐼𝐶𝐵 (370Ω) = −10𝑉
−10𝑉
𝐼𝐶𝐵 =
370Ω
𝐼𝐶𝐵 = −0.027027𝐴 𝑜𝑟 − 27.027𝑚𝐴

SUBSTITUTE EQ. 3 TO EQ. 5

10𝑉 − (−𝐼𝐶𝐷 )(330Ω) + 𝐼𝐶𝐷 (100Ω) = 0

𝐼𝐶𝐷 (430Ω) = −10𝑉
−10𝑉
𝐼𝐶𝐷 =
430Ω
𝐼𝐶𝐷 = −0.023256𝐴 𝑜𝑟 − 23.256𝑚𝐴

USING EQ. 2 USING EQ. 3

𝐼𝐴𝐵 + 𝐼𝐶𝐵 = 0 𝐼𝐴𝐷 + 𝐼𝐶𝐷 = 0

𝐼𝐴𝐵 + (−27.027𝑚𝐴) = 0 𝐼𝐴𝐷 + (−23.256𝑚𝐴) = 0
𝐼𝐴𝐵 = 27.027𝑚𝐴 𝐼𝐴𝐷 = 23.256𝑚𝐴

USING EQ. 1

𝐼𝐹𝐴 = 𝐼𝐴𝐵 + 𝐼𝐴𝐷

 𝐼𝐹𝐴 = 27.027𝑚𝐴 + 23.256𝑚𝐴
𝐼𝐹𝐴 = 50.283𝑚𝐴

USING OHM’S LAW:

1
𝑅𝑒𝑞 =
1 1
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4
1
𝑅𝑒𝑞 =
1 1
220Ω + 150Ω + 330Ω + 100Ω
1
𝑅𝑒𝑞 =
1 1
370Ω + 430Ω
𝑅𝑒𝑞 = 198.875Ω

To find the last missing values which are the voltage, students used ohm’s law:

FOR VFA FOR VAB

𝑉𝐹𝐴 = 𝐼𝐹𝐴 𝑅𝑒𝑞 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 𝐼𝐴𝐵 𝑅1

𝑉𝐹𝐴 = (0.050283𝐴)(198.875Ω) 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = (0.027027𝐴)(220Ω)
𝑉𝐹𝐴 = 10𝑉 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 5.946𝑉

FOR VCB FOR VAD

𝑉𝐶𝐵 = 𝐼𝐶𝐵 𝑅2 𝑉𝐴𝐷 = 𝐼𝐴𝐷 𝑅3

𝑉𝐶𝐵 = (−0.027027𝐴)(150Ω) 𝑉𝐴𝐷 = (0.023256𝐴)(330Ω)
𝑉𝐶𝐵 = −4.054𝑉 𝑉𝐴𝐷 = 7.674𝑉

FOR VCD

𝑉𝐶𝐷 = 𝐼𝐶𝐷 𝑅4
𝑉𝐶𝐷 = (−0.023256𝐴)(100Ω)
𝑉𝐶𝐷 = −2.326𝑉

FOR VBD

𝑉𝐵𝐷 = −𝑉𝐴𝐵 + 𝑉𝐴𝐷

𝑉𝐶𝐷 = −5.946𝑉 + 7.674𝑉
𝑉𝐶𝐷 = 1.728𝑉
Loop @ ABCEFA Loop @ ABDA

𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐸𝐹𝐴 = 𝑉𝑆 − 𝑉𝐴𝐵 + 𝑉𝐵𝐶 𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐷𝐴 = −𝑉𝐴𝐵 − 𝑉𝐵𝐷 + 𝑉𝐴𝐷

𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐸𝐹𝐴 = 10𝑉 − 5.946𝑉 + (−4.054𝑉 ) 𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐷𝐴 = −5.946V − 1.728𝑉 + 7.674𝑉
𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐸𝐹𝐴 = 0𝑉 𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐷𝐴 = 0𝑉

Loop @ BDCB

𝑉𝐵𝐶𝐷𝑏 = −𝑉𝐵𝐷 + 𝑉𝐶𝐷 − 𝑉𝐶𝐵

𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐴 = −1.728V + (−2.326V) − (−4.084V)
𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐴 = 0𝑉

Loop @ ABCDA

𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐴 = −𝑉𝐴𝐵 + 𝑉𝐵𝐶 − 𝑉𝐶𝐷 + 𝑉𝐴𝐷

𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐴 = −5.946V + (−4.054V) − (−2.326V) + 7.674V)
𝑉𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐴 = 0𝑉

KCL @ Node A: KCL @ Node B:

𝐼𝐹𝐴 − 𝐼𝐴𝐵 − 𝐼𝐴𝐷 = 0 𝐼𝐴𝐵 + 𝐼𝐶𝐵 = 0

50.283𝑚𝐴 − 27.027mA − 23.256mA = 0 27.027𝑚𝐴 + (−27.027𝑚𝐴 ) = 0
0=0 0=0

KCL @ Node D: KCL @ Node C:

𝐼𝐴𝐷 + 𝐼𝐶𝐷 = 0 − 𝐼𝐴𝐵 − 𝐼𝐴𝐷 − 𝐼𝐶𝐸 = 0

23.256𝑚𝐴 + (−23.256𝑚𝐴) = 0 − (−23.256mA) − (−27.027𝑚𝐴) − 50.283𝑚𝐴 = 0
0=0 0=0
 VAB VBC VAD VDC VBD VAC
Workbench 5.946 V -4.054 V 7.674 V -2.326 V 1.728 V 10 V

Computed 5.946 V -4.054 V 7.674 V -2.326 V 1.728 V 10 V

% Error 0 0 0 0 0 0

Table 1: Voltage Measurement

Table 1 shows the values of the voltages in the circuit measured through the use of
the workbench software (Multisim), and get by manual computation through Kirchhoff’s Law
and Ohm’s Law. The values obtained through the workbench, matched by those of the values
obtained by solving and analyzing the circuit manually. And with the values obtained, it gave
a zero percent (0%) margin of error which means that there was no difference between the
measured value and the real value of the voltages.

IAB ICB IAD ICD IFA

Workbench 27.027 mA - 27.027 mA 23.256 mA - 23.256 mA 50.283 mA

Computed 27.027 mA - 27.027 mA 23.256 mA - 23.256 mA 50.283 mA

% Error 0 0 0 0 0

Table 2: Current Measurement

Table 2 shows the values of the currents in the circuit that was obtained by manual
computation through Kirchhoff’s Law and Ohm’s Law, and was measured through the use of
the workbench software (Multisim). The values obtained by Multisim, matched with the
values obtained by manual computation and it gave a zero percent (0%) margin of error that
indicates that there was no distinction between the values.
 A B C D
Workbench 0 0 0 0

Computed 0 0 0 0
% Error 0 0 0 0

Table 3: Sum of currents at nodes

Table 3 shows the algebraic sum of all the currents entering and leaving the certain
nodes in the circuit. It was proved in the computations under the Figure 6 that the sum of all
the currents in the node is equal to zero which was also what states in the Kirchhoff’s Current
Law.

ABCEFA ABDA BDCB ABCDA

Workbench 0 0 0 0

Computed 0 0 0 0
% Error 0 0 0 0

Table 4: Voltages around loop

Table 4 shows the algebraic sum of all the voltage drops around the certain loop
in the circuit. With the continuaton of the computation under Figure 6, Kirchhoff’s Voltage
Law was verified that the sum of all the voltages in the loop is equal to zero.

COMPUTATION:

𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100%
𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

For VAB For VBC

5.946 V − 5.946 V −4.054 V − (−4.054 V)

%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100% %𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100%
5.946 V −4.054 V
%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎% %𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎%
For VAD For VDC

7.674 V − 7.674 V −2.326 V − (−2.326 V)

%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100% %𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100%
7.674 V −2.326 V

%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎% %𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎%

For VBD For VAC

1.728V − 1.728V 10 V − 10 V
%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100% %𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100%
1.728 V 10 V
%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎% %𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎%

For IAB For ICB

27.027 − 27.027 − 27.027 − (− 27.027)

%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100% %𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100%
27.027 − 27.027
%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎% %𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎%

For IAD For ICD

23.256 − 23.256 −23.256 − (−23.256)

%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100% %𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100%
23.256 −23.256
%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎% %𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎%

For IFA

50.283 − 50.283
%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100%
50.283
%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎%

For the values in Table 3 & 4

Notice that all the values were zero, then one solution can represent all values.

0−0
%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ∙ 100%
0
%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝟎%
VI. QUESTION AND ANALYSIS

1. Do the experimental and theoretical values of voltages and currents agree?

In line with Tables 1 and 2 which shows the values of voltages and currents
that was measured through the use of Multisim software and get by manual computation
respectively, the values gave a zero percent (0%) margin of error which indicates that the
experimental and the theoretical values of voltages and currents agree.

2. Give possible reasons for any discrepancies.

The values obtained that were shown in Tables 1 and 2 doesn’t show any
discrepancy. However, if discrepancy between the values obtained from the two methods do
occur, then it could be that the values that were used were rounded off.

3. Are KVL and KCL verified?

Based from the values in Tables 3 & 4, it was proved that the summation of
the current entering and leaving the node is equal to zero, and that the summation of the
voltages around the loop is also equal to zero. Therefore, KVL and KCL were verified.

4. Give reasons for any discrepancies.

The values listed in Tables 3 & 4 shows no discrepancy and if discrepancy

do occur, it’s either because of the wrong/rounded off values that were used or it could be that
there was an error in the computation that was made. Moreover, it is more feasible to have
any discrepancies if we would compare it to hardwired circuit, because of the different
physical factors and human errors.

Analysis

The values of the voltages and currents that are shown in Tables 1 and 2 were
measured through Multisim software, and were obtained through manual computation, it gave
a zero percent (0%) margin of error that indicates that there is no distinction of discrepancy
between the values obtained through the two (2) methods used. Moreover, note that the
negative value of voltages and currents that were obtained are just an indication of the wrong
assumption of the current flow in the circuit.

In addition to, with the values that were shown in Tables 3 & 4, the Kirchhoff’s
Voltage and Current Law were verified with a zero percent (0%) margin of error.
VII. CONCLUSION

With a zero percent (0%) margin of error from the values obtained using the
workbench software and the manual computation, it proved that it is a credible and reliable
way in finding the values of the unknown in a circuit and in understanding how current and
voltages work in a circuit. It was also verified that the summation of the currents leaving and
entering the node is equal to zero, and that the summation of the voltage drops around a loop
is also equal to zero.

Kirchhoff’s Law is just one of many other ways in analyzing and in finding the
unknown values in the circuit. It is very useful in analyzing complex circuits that cannot be
simply analyzed by any other means of computation. In addition to, even though not all the
values were found using the computation by Kirchhoff’s law, with the understanding and
knowledge of the concept of Ohm’s law, the other unknown values were solved. And just like
how Ohm’s law was used in the computation of Kirchhoff’s law, then it can be concluded that
the concept of Kirchhoff’s law can also be used in other circuit analysis in analyzing more
complex circuit.