Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) states that the sum of all voltages around any closed loop in a circuit is zero.
Formula:
- Σ V = 0
- Where Σ V = sum of all voltages in the loop.
**Explanation**: In any closed circuit loop, the total voltage provided by sources (e.g., batteries) is equal to the total voltage drop across the resistors and other components.
**Example**: For the above circuit, if we have resistors and voltage sources, applying KVL gives:
V1 - IR1 - IR2 - V2 = 0
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) states that the sum of currents entering a junction is equal to the sum of currents leaving the junction.
Formula:
- Σ I (in) = Σ I (out)
**Explanation**: At any node in an electric circuit, the total current entering the node is equal to the total current leaving the node.
**Example**: In the circuit above, if I1, I2, and I3 are currents entering or leaving the junction, then:
I1 + I2 - I3 = 0