**Class 12 Physics Practical File: Kirchhoff's Laws**

**Page 1**

**Introduction to Kirchhoff's Laws**

Kirchhoff's laws, formulated by Gustav Kirchhoff in 1845, are fundamental tools for circuit analysis.

They consist of two laws: Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL). These

laws help in analyzing electrical circuits and determining unknown parameters like current, voltage,

and resistance. KCL is based on the principle of conservation of charge, while KVL is derived from

the conservation of energy. Both laws are essential for solving complex circuits involving multiple

loops and junctions.

**Aim of the Experiment**

The aim of this experiment is to verify Kirchhoff's Current Law and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in a given

electrical circuit. The setup involves resistors, a power supply, and a multimeter. KCL will be verified

at a junction, and KVL will be verified in a closed loop. These observations will confirm the

conservation principles governing electrical circuits and their practical application in solving circuit

problems.
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**Apparatus Required**

The materials required for this experiment include:

2. A DC power supply

3. Connecting wires

4. A breadboard

5. A multimeter

6. A switch

These components will be used to set up and test the circuit. The multimeter will measure the

current and voltage at various points for analysis.

**Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)**

KCL states that the total current entering a junction in a circuit is equal to the total current leaving

the junction. Mathematically, \( \Sigma I_{\text{in}} = \Sigma I_{\text{out}} \). This principle is derived

from the conservation of electric charge. For instance, if three branches meet at a junction, the sum

of currents entering the junction will equal the sum of currents exiting the junction.
**Page 5**

**Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)**

KVL states that the algebraic sum of all voltages in a closed loop of a circuit is zero. Mathematically,

\( \Sigma V = 0 \). This means that the energy supplied to the loop equals the energy consumed

within the loop. This law is based on the conservation of energy. It is particularly useful for circuits

with multiple loops and voltage sources.

**Circuit Diagram**

The circuit diagram includes two resistors connected in series and parallel configurations, powered

by a DC source. A junction is created for KCL verification, and a closed loop is formed for KVL

verification. The circuit is designed on a breadboard, and connecting wires ensure proper continuity

for current flow.

**Procedure for KCL**

2. Identify a junction in the circuit.

3. Measure the currents in all branches meeting at the junction using a multimeter.

4. Record the values of current entering and leaving the junction.

5. Verify that the sum of incoming currents equals the sum of outgoing currents.
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**Procedure for KVL**

2. Measure the voltage across each resistor using a multimeter.

3. Note the polarity of each voltage drop and supply.

4. Calculate the algebraic sum of all voltage drops and EMFs in the loop.

5. Verify that the sum equals zero.

**Observations**
1. For KCL:

- Current entering the junction: \( I_{1} = 0.5 \, \text{A}, \; I_{2} = 0.3 \, \text{A} \)

- Current leaving the junction: \( I_{3} = 0.8 \, \text{A} \)

- \( I_{1} + I_{2} = I_{3} \).

2. For KVL:

- Voltage drops across resistors: \( V_{1} = 2 \, \text{V}, \; V_{2} = 3 \, \text{V} \)

- Source voltage: \( E = 5 \, \text{V} \)

- \( E - V_{1} - V_{2} = 0 \).

**Calculations**
*Example for KCL:*

Consider a junction where two currents, \( I_{1} = 0.5 \, \text{A} \) and \( I_{2} = 0.3 \, \text{A} \), are

entering, and one current, \( I_{3} = 0.8 \, \text{A} \), is leaving.

\( \Sigma I_{\text{in}} = I_{1} + I_{2} = 0.5 + 0.3 = 0.8 \, \text{A} \)

\( \Sigma I_{\text{out}} = I_{3} = 0.8 \, \text{A} \)

Thus, \( \Sigma I_{\text{in}} = \Sigma I_{\text{out}} \).

In a closed loop, the voltage drops across two resistors are \( V_{1} = 2 \, \text{V} \) and \( V_{2} = 3

\, \text{V} \), with a source voltage of \( E = 5 \, \text{V} \).

\( \Sigma V = E - V_{1} - V_{2} = 5 - 2 - 3 = 0 \)

Hence, \( \Sigma V = 0 \), verifying KVL.

**Result**

The experiment confirms that:

leaving it.

2. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law is valid, as the algebraic sum of voltages in a closed loop is zero. These

results are consistent with theoretical expectations.

**Conclusion**

Kirchhoff's laws are validated experimentally. KCL confirms the conservation of electric charge at a

junction, while KVL verifies the conservation of energy in a loop. These laws are indispensable in

circuit analysis and help solve practical problems in electrical engineering. The experiment

demonstrates the applicability and accuracy of these fundamental principles in electrical circuits.