Kirchhoff – Step by step Step 1 Look at the information given. . . Spot the obvious! I1 I2 The voltage across this resistor ΔV = IR = I1 x 30 = 30 I1
Kirchhoff – Step by step Step 1 Look at the information given. . . Spot the obvious! I1 I2 I3 The currents at this junction I1 + I2 + I3 = 0 either I1 or I2 may be negative as one is going out of the junction
Kirchhoff – Step by step Step 2 break the circuit into a set of Closed Loops & label them! I1 I2 A E D B F C
Kirchhoff – Step by step Step 3 Decide which way to go around the loop. . . I1 I2 A E D B F C
Kirchhoff – Step by step Step 4 Apply the rules . . . LOOP ABCD ε = +18 V ε = +6 V I1 I2 A E D This resistor is not in the loop –ignore it ! ΔV = -I1R = -30I1 B F C Do the sum! +6 + 18 – 30 I1 = 0 30 I1 = 24 → I1 = 0.8 A
Kirchhoff – Step by step Step 5 Apply the rules . . . LOOP ABFE ε = +18 V I1 I2 A E D I1 = 0.8 A The voltage across this resistor is I3 x R ΔV = -30 I3 I3 ΔV = -30 I1 = -24 V B F C Do the sum! +18 -24 + 30 I3 = 0 N.B. Negative current 30 I3 = -6 → I3 = -6 ÷ 30 = -0.2 A flowing E > F
Kirchhoff – Step by step Step 6 Apply the rules . . . Current at junction E I1 I2 A E D I1 = 0.8 A I3 Currents entering a junction are positive + I Currents leaving a junction negative - I I3 = 0.2 A B F C Do the sum I1 + I2 + I3 = 0 - 0.8 – 0.2 + I3 = 0 → I3 = 0.8 + 0.2 = 1.0 A