Laboratory # 4:

NETWORK ANALYSIS USING KIRCHOFF’S THEOREM

 Theory:
 We will see the two basic Kirchoff’s law in the laboratory.
 Kirchoff’s Voltage Law ( KVL) : This law states that the algebraic sum of the voltage
in any closed loop is always zero. That means ,
SumVoltage drops in the loop Sum of voltage rises in the loop

 Kirchoff’s Current Law (KCL) : This law states that the algebraic sum of the current
at any junction, area ,distribution is always zero. That means ,
Sum current entering the junction Sum of current leaving the junction
 Objectives:

 To study the use of Kirchoff’s laws in analyzing current distribution in an

electrical circuit.
 To analyze the current distribution to find voltage drop across the various
components of an electrical circuit and to verify the results by calculation.

 Materials Required:
1 . Resistors variable in size
2 . Circuit construction board
3 . Digital Voltmeter
4 . Connecting wires

 Procedure:
1. Construct the circuit as shown in figure below on the circuit construction board.
2. Measure resistance of the resisters, the voltage drops across the resistor and total current

R1 = 22KΩ VR1 = 3.979V

R2 = 100KΩ VR2 = 4.898V
R3 = 81.2KΩ VR3 = 1.081V
RT = 203.2KΩ VT = 9.958V

Vt
It= IT = 5.998mA
Rt
3. Construct the circuit as shown in figure below on the circuit construction board.
4. Measure resistance of the resisters, the voltage drops across the resistor and total current

R1 = 22KΩ IR1 = 0.455mA

R2 = 100KΩ IR2 = 0.1mA
R3 = 81.2KΩ IR3 = 0.123mA
RT = 14.759KΩ IT = 0.678mA0

VR1 = VR2 = VR3 = VS = 10V

5. Construct the circuit as shown below in figure a on the circuit construction board.

A A
R1 R2

V1=10V V2=15V
R3

A
R4

R5

Figure a

6. Measure the voltage drops across and the current through each resistor and record in data
table 4.1
7. By applying Kickoff’s voltage & current law, calculate the current distribution and the
voltage drop across each circuit element. Show all steps in your calculation.
8. Put your calculated values in data table 4.1
9. Reverse the polarity of the 10V and 15V source and repeat steps 2-4 & Record your data in data
  Data table 4.1 :
VR1 IR1 VR2 IR2 VR6 IR6 VR4 IR4 VR5 IR5
Measured 1.5928V - 4.08V - 2.398V - 5.835V - 13.484V -
Calculated 1.591 V 72.4µA 4.052V 40.8µA 2.558V 29.6µA 5.817V 72.4µA 13.35V 40.8µA

 Data Table 4.2:

VR1 IR1 VR2 IR2 VR6 IR6 VR4 IR4 VR5 IR5
Measured 1.5928V - 4.08V - 2.398V - 5.835V - 13.484V -

Calculated 1.591 V 72.4µA 4.052V 40.8µA 2.558V 29.6µA 5.817V 72.4µA 13.35V 40.8µA

 Review Question:
1. How do the calculated values correspond to the measured values? Are there differences? If there
are any, analyze the difference.

There is a small difference, the small difference between calculated values and measured values can
be attributed to various factors, including environmental conditions and the accuracy of the
measurement equipment used. Here are a few possible reasons for the disparity:
1. Measurement errors
2. Environmental factors
3. Assumptions and approximations
4. Systematic biases
 To analyze the difference between the calculated and measured values more precisely, it is necessary to
examine the specific context, measurement techniques, and factors involved. Understanding the sources of
error and adjusting, such as improving instrument accuracy, recalibrating equipment, or considering
additional variables, can help reduce the differences and improve the accuracy of the measurements.

2. Check that the algebraic sum of the currents at any node is zero.
On the node between R1 and R2
IR2=IR2 + IR1
72.4µA = 29.6µA + 40.8µA \/
3. Check that the algebraic sum of the voltages for any closed loop is zero.
On the first loop that contains R1, R6 and R4
-10V + 1.591V + 2.558V + 5.817V ≈ 0 \/
4. State important conclusions from this experiment.
The total resistance in a series circuit is equal to the sum of the individual resistances. This was observed by
measuring the individual resistances and calculating their sum, which was found to be equal to the total
resistance measured across the circuit.
The total voltage across a series circuit is equal to the sum of the individual voltage drops across each
resistor. This was verified by measuring the voltage drops across each resistor and confirming that their sum
matched the total voltage applied to the circuit.
The current through each resistor in a series circuit is the same. This was demonstrated by measuring the
current at different points in the circuit and observing that it remained constant throughout, regardless of the
resistor being measured.
The total resistance in a parallel circuit follows the reciprocal relationship. The reciprocal of the total
resistance is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances. This was verified by measuring
the individual resistances and calculating their reciprocals, which were found to sum up to the reciprocal of
the total resistance measured across the circuit.
The total current in a parallel circuit is equal to the sum of the currents flowing through each individual
resistor. This was observed by measuring the current at different branches of the parallel circuit and
confirming that the sum of these currents matched the total current applied to the circuit.
The voltage across each resistor in a parallel circuit is the same. This was demonstrated by measuring the
voltage drops across each resistor and observing that they were equal, indicating that the voltage was shared
equally among the resistors.
Kirchhoff's laws provide a reliable method for analyzing complex circuits. By applying Kirchhoff's laws to
the experimental circuit, it was possible to calculate and understand the currents and voltages at different
points in the circuit. When we reverser the polarity of the two sources, the polarity on the resisters also
changed.