DC Network Theorems Unit 3 – Kirchhoff's Voltage Law
Due to the relationship of the circuit voltages, you can determine any one voltage drop or voltage
source if you know all other voltages. The missing voltage (V) in this circuit must be the
difference between the sum of the known voltage drops and the circuit source voltage.
Determine V (the missing voltage) by using Kirchhoff's voltage law and the following equation,
where the source voltage equals 20V and the known voltage drops equal 3V and 7V.
20 = 3 + 7 + V
20 = 10 + V
20 - 10 = V
10 = V
NEW TERMS AND WORDS
Kirchhoff's voltage law - The algebraic sum of the voltages around a closed loop must equal
zero. The sum of the voltage drops around a closed loop must equal the source voltage.
closed loop - A complete path or circuit for current flow.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
F.A.C.E.T. base unit
DC NETWORK THEOREMS circuit board
Multimeter