SPRING 2021 LAB MANUAL LCA

EXPERIMENT#5(b)
To Verify the KCL (Kirchhoff’s Current law)
Objective:
• To verify Kirchhoff’s current law experimentally

Equipment / Requirement:
• Resistors (220Ω, 330Ω, 150Ω)
• 5VDC & 6VDC power supply
• Breadboard
• Digital Multimeter

Theory:
Kirchhoff’s Current Law states that: ‘the algebraic sum of currents at a node is zero’. Two
points might need further explanation:
a) A ‘node’ is the technical term for a junction in a circuit, where two or more branches are
joined together. Fig. 5.0(b) shows a node with four branches connected;

Figure 5.0(b)
A node with 4 branches

b) The phrase ‘algebraic sum’ reminds us that we have to take account of the current direction,
as well as magnitude, when applying Kirchhoff’s Current Law.
This Law is used in circuit analysis to define relationships between currents flowing in
branches of the circuit.

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SPRING 2021 LAB MANUAL LCA

Procedure:
• Draw the circuit diagram as shown in figure 5.1(b)

Figure 5.1(b)

• For the above circuit, KCL equations at node A and at node B are :

At node A: I1 + I2 = I3

At node B: I3 = I1 + I2

• You have already calculated and measured the values of I1, I2 & I3 i n lab#05. Now
verify the KCL equations by putting their values.
• Fill the observation table according to calculate & measured values.
• Calculate the % Error
Observation:
Current I1 mA I2 mA (I1 + I2 )m A I3 mA
Theoretical
Measured
% Error

Table 5.1(b)
Review Question:
1. Write the applications of KCL with a suitable example.

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2. Find all currents by taking R1=440Ω R2=300Ω and R3=100 Ω for above circuit and make table
as 5.1(b) for this using KCL .Mention all steps.

To be filled by Demonstrator/Lab Instructor

Last Date of Submission:

Remarks:

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