Kirchhoff’s voltage law states that the algebraic
sum of the products of currents and resistance in each of the products of
currents and resistance in each of the conductors in any closed path (or mesh)
in a network plus the algebraic sum of all the e.m.f in that path is zero.
sum of the products of currents and resistance in each of the products of
currents and resistance in each of the conductors in any closed path (or mesh)
in a network plus the algebraic sum of all the e.m.f in that path is zero.
That means that ∑IR + ∑e.m.f = 0 (in
a mesh)
a mesh)
It is worthy of note that when considering the
algebraic sum, the polarity of the voltage drops must be taken into account.
algebraic sum, the polarity of the voltage drops must be taken into account.
In applying this law, when analysing a mesh, if we
start from a particular junction and go round the mesh till we come back tot he
starting point, then we must maintain the same potential with which we started.
This means that all the sources of e.m.f in the mesh must necessarily be equal
to the total voltage drops in the resistances, every voltage being given its
proper sign, plus or minus.
start from a particular junction and go round the mesh till we come back tot he
starting point, then we must maintain the same potential with which we started.
This means that all the sources of e.m.f in the mesh must necessarily be equal
to the total voltage drops in the resistances, every voltage being given its
proper sign, plus or minus.
