![]() ![]() Kirchhoff’s loop rule states that the algebraic sum of the voltage differences is equal to zero. For example, consider a simple loop with no junctions, as in Figure 6.3.3.įigure 6.3.3 A simple loop with no junctions. Kirchhoff’s loop rule states that the algebraic sum of potential differences, including voltage supplied by the voltage sources and resistive elements, in any loop must be equal to zero. In a closed loop, whatever energy is supplied by a voltage source, the energy must be transferred into other forms by the devices in the loop, since there are no other ways in which energy can be transferred into or out of the circuit. The loop rule is stated in terms of potential rather than potential energy, but the two are related since. Kirchhoff’s second rule (the loop rule) applies to potential differences. If the wires in Figure 6.3.2 were replaced by water pipes, and the water was assumed to be incompressible, the volume of water flowing into the junction must equal the volume of water flowing out of the junction. The rules are known as Kirchhoff’s rules, after their inventor Gustav Kirchhoff (1824–1887).įigure 6.3.2 Charge must be conserved, so the sum of currents into a junction must be equal to the sum of currents out of the junction.Īlthough it is an over-simplification, an analogy can be made with water pipes connected in a plumbing junction. ![]() But what do you do then?Įven though this circuit cannot be analyzed using the methods already learned, two circuit analysis rules can be used to analyze any circuit, simple or complex. The resistors and are in series and can be reduced to an equivalent resistance. In this circuit, the previous methods cannot be used, because not all the resistors are in clear series or parallel configurations that can be reduced. A junction, also known as a node, is a connection of three or more wires. For example, the circuit in Figure 6.3.1 is known as a multi-loop circuit, which consists of junctions. In this section, we elaborate on the use of Kirchhoff’s rules to analyze more complex circuits. Many complex circuits cannot be analyzed with the series-parallel techniques developed in the preceding sections. We have just seen that some circuits may be analyzed by reducing a circuit to a single voltage source and an equivalent resistance.
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