ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Electrical Circuits 1 Manual

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

4.1. EXERCISE TITLE: KIRCHHOFF’S VOLTAGE LAW WITH A TWO-SOURCE CIRCUIT

4.1.1 Program Outcomes (POs) Addressed by the Activity

b. ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
d. ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
e. ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
g. ability to communicate effectively

4.1.2 Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity, the student shall be able to:
a. identify a two voltage sources circuit
b. apply Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law in each loops
c. solve the currents from the KVL equations
d. compare the calculated and measured data

4.1.3 Objectives of the Activity

The objectives of this activity are to:
1. apply Kirchhoff’s voltage law to a circuit having two voltage sources.
2. verify the results by using measured data.

4.1.4 Principle of the Activity

Figure 4.1-1 shows a circuit with two voltage sources that are not connected with
identical polarities.

Figure 4.1-1.A two-voltage source circuit.

Three loops are shown in the figure; however, only two loops are required for a
Kirchhoff’s solution.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

 In the figure, current direction through R3 is determined by each specific loop. For LOOP
1, current flows into NODE 1. For LOOP 2, current flows out of NODE 1. But net current
through R3 must flow in one direction.

Current direction (electron flow) through R3 is determined by the voltage distribution of

the circuit. If NODE 1 is positive with respect to NODE2, current will flow out NODE1.

Kirchhoff’s voltage law can be applied to each circuit loop. In each loop, the sum of the
voltage must equal zero.

Because the circuit has two unknowns, I1 and I2, two loop equations are required for their
solution. The equations are generated by application of Kirchhoff’s voltage law to LOOP 1 and
LOOP 2 of Figure 4.1-1.

LOOP 1 Equation LOOP 2 Equation

VS1 – VR3 – VR1 = 0 VS2 – VR2 – VR3 = 0

The known values of the circuit resistors are then used in ohm’s law to determine the IR
(voltage) drops.

VR1 = I1 x R1 VR2 = I2 x R2

For LOOP 1, VR3 = (I1 – I2) x R3 For LOOP 2, VR3 = (I2 – I1) x R3

The specified IR drops are then substituted into the LOOP 1 and LOOP 2 equations.

VS1 – (I1 – I2) x R3 – (I1 x R1) = 0 VS2 – (I2 x R2) – (I2 – I1) x R3 = 0

These two expanded equations provide the circuit solution. Notice that the equation
includes every resistance in the circuit of Figure 4.-1-1. Currents I1 and I2 must be determined
from simultaneous equations.

NOTE: Solutions from simultaneous equations are beyond the scope of this unit.

4.1.5 Materials/Equipment
1- F.A.C.E.T Base Unit
1- DC FUNDAMENTAL Circuit Board
2- 15Vdc Power Supply
1- Multimeter

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

4.1.6 Procedure/s
1. Locate the KIRCHHOFF SOLUTION WITH 2 SOURCES circuit block on the
NETWORK THEOREMS circuit board. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 4.1-2.
Adjust each variable source to 10V dc.

Figure 4.1-2.Two-source test circuit.

2. Describe the KVL relationship, which must exist between VS1, VR1, and VR3.

The KVL relationship exist between is –VR3-VR1+VS1=0

3. Describe the KVL relationship, which must exist between VS2, VR2, and VR3.

The KVL relationship exist between is –VR2-VR3+VS1=0

4. Two loops are shown in Figure 4.1-2. What circuit components define the circuit’s third
loop?

The Circuit components defined the third loop are VS1,R1,R2,VS2

5. What is the voltage relationship that exists in the third loop?

The circuit is encircled by the third loop.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

 6. Measure the voltage drops of R1, R2, and R3. Enter these values on Figure 4.1-3. Do not
assign a + or – sign to the readings.

Figure 4.1-3.Voltage distribution in a two-source circuit.

VOLTAGE RESISTANCE CURRENT
VS1 = 10V R1 = 750 Ω IR1 = 0.5306 A
VS2 = 10V R2 = 3525 Ω IR2 = 4.5384 A
VR1 = 3.98 V R3 = 7500 Ω IR3 = 2.1330 A
VR2 = 6.06 V
VR3 = 15.998 V

7. Based on the relationships you described in procedure 3, 4, and 5, assign the proper
voltage polarities to the voltage drops of Figure 4.1-3.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

 8. Using the values and sign of Figure 4.1-3, describe the voltage distribution of each circuit
loop.

In both circuits, both voltages have almost identical power values.

9. Do the results of step 8 agree with Kirchhoff’s voltage law?

Yes

10. Does Kirchhoff’s voltage law apply to a two-source voltage circuit?

Yes

11. On Figure 4.1-3, show the direction of current through R1, R2, and R3 (draw arrow to
show the direction.

NOTE: I1 is the current through R1. I2 is the current through R2. The current though R3 is
(I1 – I2) or VR3/R3.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

4.1.7 Activity Report

Section: Date Performed:

Course Code: CPE0005L Date Submitted:
Course Title: Fundamentals of Electric Circuit (Lab)
Instructor:
Group No.: Activity No.:

Group Members: Signature:

1. Bagay, Junee O.
2.
3.
4.
5.

4.1.7.1 Calculations:

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

4.1.7.2 Conclusion/s: Write at least three (3) conclusions.

 The conclusion of the experiment proves that Kirchhoff’s first law is true. The sum of the
currents flowing through the branches of a parallel circuit will be equal to the current
flowing through the main branch of a circuit.
 This experiment was planned to test Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws. This goal was
accomplished, as demonstrated by the data and descriptions given in the discussion.
When the currents flowing in and out of node in Figure’s were summed up, the total was
identical to zero. As a result, Kirchhoff's existing law was shown to be correct. As the
voltages around Figure's circle were added up, the total was close to zero. As a result,
Kirchhoff's voltage rule was shown to be correct. When the data are put together, it did
not turn out to be exactly zero, although this is to be anticipated when using multiple
instruments.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

4.1.7.3 Rating (See Attached Rubric)

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Electrical Circuits 1 Manual

ACTIVITY 4.2: KIRCHHOFF’S CURRENT LAW WITH A TWO-SOURCE CIRCUIT

4.2.1 Program Outcomes (POs) Addressed by the Activity

a. ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and science to solve engineering problems

b. ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
d. ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
g. ability to communicate effectively

4.2.2 Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity, the student shall be able to:
e. identify a two voltage sources circuit
f. apply Kirchhoff’s Current Law in each node
g. solve the voltage from the KCL equations
h. compare the calculated and measured data

4.2.3 Objectives of the Activity

The objectives of this activity are to:
1. apply Kirchhoff’s current law to a circuit having two voltage sources.
2. verify the results by using measured data.

4.2.4 Principle of the Activity

Figure 4.2-1 shows a circuit with two voltage sources that are not connected with
identical polarities.

Figure 4.2-1.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 Kirchhoff’s current law.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

 IR1 + IR2 = IR3

Each of these currents can be represented by its volts/resistance relationship as shown in

figure. In these equations, there are three unknowns: VR1, VR2, and VR3. However, according to
Kirchhoff’s voltage law, both VR1and 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

You can check your solutions verifying that they follow Kirchhoff’s 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 solution indicates 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.

4.2.5 Materials/Equipment

1- F.A.C.E.T Base Unit

1- DC FUNDAMENTAL Circuit Board
2- 15Vdc Power Supply
1- Multimeter

4.2.6 Procedure/s
1. Locate the KIRCHHOFF SOLUTION WITH 2 SOURCES circuit block on the DC
NEWORK THEOREMS circuit board. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 4.2-2. Adjust
each variable source for 10 Vdc.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

 Figure 4.2-2.Two-source test circuit.

2. Determine and record the values of R1, R2, and R3.

R1 = 750 Ω
R2 = 3525 Ω
R3 = 7500 Ω

3. Based on the current directions given in Figure 4.2-3, write the current formula for
NODE 1.

4. Define each circuit current in terms of its voltage and resistance relationship (according
to Ohm’s law). Refer to Figure 4.3-2 for help.

I = is the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electric circuit

described by Ohm's law. The resistance is inversely proportional to the current, which is
directly proportional to the voltage.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

 5. In Figure 4.2-3, which specific voltage drop will allow for a complete circuit solution?

HINT: Look for a common circuit element.

Figure 4.2-3.

The specific voltage drop will allow for a complete circuit solution is VR3.

6. With respect to circuit common (Figure 4.2-3), measure and record the voltage across R3.

The Voltage across R3 = 5.996 V

7. Based on your reading, is the voltage at NODE 1 positive or negative with respect to
circuit common?

The Voltage at NODE 1 is Positive.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

 8. Record the measured voltage drop of R3 and its proper polarity on Figure 4.2-4.

Figure 4.2-4.

The Voltage drop of R3 = 7.869 V.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

 9. Complete Figure 4.2-4 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 4.2-3?

Yes, the current through R3 flow in the same direction.

11. Measure each voltage drop of your circuit. Do the results agree with the information
generated for Figure 4.2-4?
Vr1 =
Vr2 = 17.689 V
Vr3 = 7.689 V

⸫ The result doesn’t agree with the information generated.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

 12. How can your calculations indicate when an assumed current direction is correct?

The calculations can indicate when the assumed value is positive.

13. Are the currents in circuit paths A, B, and C (Figure 4.2-4) the same as IR1, IR2, and IR3?

Ir1 = 3.08 mA

Ir2 = 2.06 mA

Ir3 = 1.02 mA

⸫ The currents are not the same with each other.

4.2.7 Activity Report

Section: Date Performed:

Course Code: CPE0005L Date Submitted:
Course Title: Fundamentals of Electric Circuit (Lab)
Instructor:
Group No.: Activity No.:

Group Members: Signature:

1. Bagay, Junee O.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

4.2.7.1 Data and Results

4.2.7.2 Calculations

4.2.7.3 Observations (if applicable)

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

4.2.7.4 Conclusion/s

 We can conclude that the summation of current entering the node is equal to the
summation of current leaving the node, also called Kirchhoff’s Current Law. The sum of
the applied voltage is equal to the sum of all voltage drops which refers to the Kirchhoff’s
Voltage Law.
 Apart from the problem of calculating voltage through large resistors, we can infer that
Kirchhoff's Voltage and Current Laws correctly estimate the sum of the voltage drops
along a closed path and the sum of the currents at a node in the resistive circuits
investigated here. Furthermore, we are secure in concluding that KVL and KCL correctly
forecast the behaviour of resistive circuits due to the random existence of the circuits
examined here.

4.2.7.5 Rating (See Attached Rubric)

ACTIVITY 4: KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS