VERIFICATION OF KIRCHHOFF’S

LAWS
Aim: To verify Kirchhoff’s
(1) Voltage law
(2) current law

KIRCHOFF’SVOLTAGE LAW:
Statement: Kirchhoff’s voltage law states that the algebraic sum of the
products of currents and resistances in each of the conductors in any
closed path (or mesh) in a network plus the algebraic sum of the
Emf’s in that path is zero.
(OR)

Kirchhoff’s voltage law states that the algebraic sum of voltage drops of
elements around any closed path is always zero
Example of KVL Equations:

In this figure
Va+ Vb+ Vc+ Vd– Ve= 0
KIRCHOFF’S CURRENT LAW:
• Statement: Kirchhoff’s current law states that in any electrical
network, the algebraic sum of currents meeting at a point (or
junction) is zero.
OR
• The sum of the Currents flowing towards a junction is equal to the
sum of currents leaving away from the junction.
• Kirchhoff’s current law is based on the principle of conservation of
charge.
Example of KCL Equations:

I1 + I2 – I3 + I4 – I5 = 0
I1 + I 2 + I4 = I3 + I5
 CIRCUIT FOR KVL
+ v1 -

R1
V +
R2
V2
-
- V3 +

R3 Fig.2
 CIRCUIT FOR KCL

+ A1 -

52O/5A

V
R2 R3

+
A2 A3
- +

-
Fig.1
PROCEDURE:
KIRCHOFF’S VOLTAGE LAW:
• Connect the circuit as shown in the circuit diagram.
• Increase the applied voltage from the source in steps from minimum value to the maximum value.
• At each applied voltage note down the readings of the voltmeters V, V1, V2, V3 in the tabular form.
• Verify whether V= V1+V2+V3.
KIRCHOFF’S CURRENT LAW:
• Connect the circuit as per the circuit diagram.
• Increase the applied voltage from the source in steps.
• At each value of the applied voltage note down the readings of the ammeters A1, A2, A3 & voltmeter
reading.
• Verify whether I1=I2+I3
OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS
VOLTAGE LAW:

Applied Experimental(volts) Theoretical(volts)

Voltage V1 V2 V3 V=V1+V2+V3 V1 V2 V3 V=V1+V2+V3

(in Volts)
CURRENT LAW:
Applied Experimental Theoretical

Voltage(V)

I1(A) I2(A) I3(A) I1(A)=I2(A)+I3(A) I1(A) I2(A) I3(A) I1(A)=I2(A)+I3(A)

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Loose connections must be avoided.

2. Meter readings must be taken without parallax error.

3. The slider of the rheostats must be adjusted to maximum resistance position, before the supply is switched on

4. The RPS unit must be adjusted to zero output position before the supply is switched on.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
• KVL & KCL are verified.
• Using Kirchhoff’s laws, the current and voltages in any of the electrical
network can be calculated.
VIVA QUESTIONS:

• State KVL and KCL?

• Define node?
• What is meant by bilateral network and unilateral network?
• What is meant by active network and passive network?
• What is the function of RPS?