DC Network Theorems Unit 2 – Kirchhoff's Current Law
Exercise 2 – Node Currents in a Branch Circuit
EXERCISE OBJECTIVE
When you have completed this exercise, you will be able to determine the magnitude and
direction (sign) of node currents by using a two-element branch circuit. You will verify your
results by measuring the circuit currents.
DISCUSSION
- Current flow is defined as the movement of electrons (electron flow).
- Current flowing into a node is labeled negative; while current flowing out of a node is
labeled positive. - Kirchhoff’s Current Law states that the algebraic sum of all current into or out of a node
must equal zero. - Ohm’s law is used in combination with Kirchhoff’s Current Law to determine the total
circuit current when the source voltage and branch resistances are know. [IT = IR1 + IR2 =
(VR1/R1) + (VR2/R2)]