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Question
State and explain Kirchhoff’s rules.
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Solution
Kirchhoff’s first rule (current rule or junction rule):
Statement: It states that the algebraic sum of the currents at any junction of a circuit is zero. It is a statement of conservation of electric charge.
Kirchhoff ’s current rule
Explanation:
All charges that enter a given junction in a circuit must leave that junction since charge cannot build up or disappear at a junction. Current entering the junction is taken as positive and current leaving the junction is taken as negative.
Applying this law to the junction A,
I1 + I2 – I3 – I4 – I5 = o
Or
I1 + I2 = + I3 I4 + I5
Kirchhoff’s second rule (voltage rule or loop rule):
Statement: It states that in a closed circuit the algebraic sum of the products of the current and resistance of each part of the circuit is equal to the total emf included in the circuit. This rule follows from the law of conservation of energy for an isolated system. (The energy supplied by the emf sources is equal to the sum of the energy delivered to all resistors).
Explanation:
The product of current and resistance is taken as positive when the direction of the current is followed. Suppose if the direction of current is opposite to the direction of the loop, then product of current and voltage across the resistor is negative. It is shown in following Fig. (a) and (b). The emf is considered positive when proceeding from the negative to the positive terminal of the cell. It is shown in following fig. (c) and (d).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Kirchhoff voltage rule
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