KOTA DAMANSARA

B.ENG (Hons) MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

In collaboration with

University of Sunderland
LAB REPORT
KIRCHOFFS LAW
ELCTRICAL PRINCIPLES
SUBJECT CODE : EAT113
Level 1
NAME
LECTURER
STUDENT ID
DAT E OF SUBMISION
GROUP MEMBERS

: Maged Abdullah Salem Basalem

: Ms.Preethy
: SCM-016698
: 10\4\2014
: ADITYA HALDAVNEKAR , HUSSEIN IDRIS , OMAR
MUMTAZ, MUSTAFA BASEL, AMEEN ALMODI

Abstract

Some circuit configurations (networks) cannot be solved by reduction according to series

and parallel circuit rules, due to multiple unknown values. In these cases, mathematical
techniques to solve for multiple unknowns can be applied to basic Laws of circuits to solve
networks.
The first and most straightforward technique is called the Branch Current Method. In this
method, we assume directions of currents in a network, then write equations describing their
relationships to each other through network analysis Kirchhoff's and Ohm's Laws. Once we have
one equation for every unknown current, we can solve the simultaneous equations and determine
all currents, and therefore all voltage drops in the network.

Objective

To become familiar with series and parallel circuits.

To become familiar with the application of Kirchhoffs laws.

Introduction

Kirchhoff's circuit laws are two equalities that deal with the current and potential
difference, and it allows us to analyze more complex circuits. Kirchhoff's Laws apply to DC
circuits and to networks.
Kirchhoffs current law (KCL) and Kirchhoffs voltage law (KVL) is very important to analyze
a linear circuit. Kirchhoffs voltage law (KVL) is called also Kirchhoffs loop rule states that the
algebraic sum of all voltages in a closed loop must be equal to zero. A closed loop is a path in a
circuit that does give a return path for a current. Kirchhoffs current law (KCL) is called also
Kirchhoffs junction rule states that the sum of the current flowing into the node and the current
flowing out from the node must equal to zero and the sum of currents flowing into that node is
equal to the sum of currents flowing out of that node.

Apparatus

S.NO
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Circuit Diagram

COMPONENTS
Multimeter
Variable power supply
Resistance
Breadboard
Connecting Wires

RATING
1 A, 30V
0-30 V, DC
..K,..K
-

QUANTITY
2
1
2
1
Few

Procedures

Series circuit
1. Using ohmmeter, the value of resistance R1 and R2 was measured and
recorded in table1.
2. The circuit was connected as shown in Figure 1.
3. The dc power supply was switched on.
4. The readings (Vt, V1, V2 and I) in the table 1 were recorded, for a given
value of R1 and R2.
5. The formula Rt=R1+R2 was used for a series circuit.
6. The formula Vt=V1+V2 was used (Kirchhoff's voltage law verification).

Parallel connection
7. Using ohmmeter, the value of resistance R1 and R1 was measured and
recorded in table1.
8. The circuit was connected as shown in Figure 1.
9. The dc power supply was switched on.
10.
The readings (Vt, V1, V2, I1, I2 and I) in the table 1 were
recorded, for a given value of R1 and R2.
11.
The formula Rt=(R1*R2)(R1+R2) was used for a parallel circuit.
12.
The formula It=I1+I2 was used (Kirchhoff" current law
verification).
13.
The voltage across parallel resistor was checked, it is same.

RESULTS:

R1()
19.90k

R2()
4.86k

I1(A)
0.29m

I2(A)
IT (A)
1.19m
1.42
TABLE 1

VT (V)
6.16

RT (R)
3.88k

I1+I2 (A)
2.62m

R1()

R2()

V1

V2

VT

RT=VT/I

V1+V2

19.90k

4.86k

(V)
4.9

(V)
1.19

(A)
0.26*10-3

6.10

()
24.7k

(V)
6.10

TABLE 2
CALCULATION:
FOR SERIES CIRCUIT:
RT=R1+R2= 24.86k
VT=V1+V2
= IR1+IR2
= 0.25*10-3(19.86k+4.83k)
= 6.10 V
V2

V1
+

A1
+

R1 19.86k

VT 6.1

VM1
+

FOR PARALLEL CIRCUIT:

R2 4.83k

RT =

R 1R 2
R 1+ R 2

19.94.86
19.9+ 4.86

= 3.9k
I = I1+I2 = 1.19 + 0.29 = 1.48mA

Discussion

Kirchhoff's law is the most basic method to analysis linear circuits. And experimentally the
Kirchhoff's law was verified successfully due to the accurate values.
From the results are obtained, the difference between the theoretical and the
experimental values are relatively small, for It in parallel connection the
theoretical value was found 1.48 mA and the experimental value was found
1.42mA

also the error percentage is found 4%, and that refers to some

mistakes occurred during the experiment, and the possible error might be a
simple error in connecting the voltmeter to the circuit or in reading the meter
.
The experiment can be improved by using modern stuff of wires, power
supply and resistors. Besides more hard work on procedures to get accurate values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, according to the results, the experiment shows that the Kirchhoffs law is
verified in solving the complex circuits. And the experiment provided good experience in
creating different types of circuits and how to properly take voltage and current measurements in
them by using Kirchhoffs current law or Kirchhoffs junction rule and Kirchhoffs voltage law
or Kirchhoffs loop rule, and that was so helpful in solving it.

References
1. http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/dccircuits/dcp_4.html
2. http://www.iit.edu/arc/workshops/pdfs/Kirchhoff_s_Circuit_Laws.pdf