DC Network Theorems Unit 3 – Kirchhoff's Voltage Law
UNIT 3 – KIRCHHOFF'S VOLTAGE LAW
UNIT OBJECTIVE
At the completion of this unit, you will be able to analyze dc circuits by using Kirchhoff's
voltage law.
UNIT FUNDAMENTALS
Kirchhoff's voltage law provides the solution of voltage drops and voltage sources around a
closed loop.
A solution for determining voltage is applied to series circuits, such as the circuit shown here.
The same current flows throughout the series circuit. As the current passes through each resistor,
it generates a voltage drop. The sum of all voltage drops equals the value of the circuit voltage
source.
This drawing illustrates the polarities of voltages generated around a closed series circuit.
Consider voltage drops negative (-) and voltage sources positive (+). Kirchhoff's voltage law
deals with the relationship of the circuit voltage drops to the source voltage and to one another.