Abstract

The purpose of this laboratory report is to verify and validate both Kirchhoff's law of current and
voltage in electrical circuits, as well as to determine and confirm Ohm's law. In order to verify
this law using a circuit, DC power, a resistor, and measuring devices such as an ammeter and
voltmeter, the current and voltage across the resistor were recorded at different resistance
settings. Additionally, Kirchhoff's laws were examined. To demonstrate these laws, various
circuits consisting of resistors and connecting wires were constructed, and currents and voltages
were measured using an ammeter and voltmeter. Based on the experiment, it can be concluded
that there is a direct relationship between current and voltage as described by Ohm's law, and the
net current flowing into and out of a junction is zero, confirming Kirchhoff's laws.
 Introduction
The principles of Kirchhoff's law and Ohm's law are fundamental concepts in electrical circuit
theory, serving as essential tools for analyzing and understanding the behavior of electrical
circuits. These laws provide a foundation for circuit analysis and design, enabling engineers and
scientists to predict and control the flow of current, voltage, and resistance in various electrical
systems.

Kirchhoff's laws consist of two basic principles: Kirchhoff's current law (KCL) and Kirchhoff's
voltage law (KVL). KCL states that the algebraic sum of currents entering and leaving any
junction in a circuit is zero. In other words, the total current flowing into a point must be equal to
the total current flowing out of that point. KVL, on the other hand, states that the algebraic sum
of voltages in any closed loop within a circuit is zero. This means that the total potential
differences across components such as resistors, batteries, and capacitors in a closed loop must
add up to zero.

Ohm's law establishes a relationship between the current flowing through a conductor, the
voltage applied across it, and the resistance of the conductor. Ohm's law states that the current
passing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it and inversely
proportional to the resistance of the conductor. Mathematically, this relationship can be
expressed as I = V/R, where I represents the current, V represents the voltage, and R represents
the resistance.
 Theory
Kirchhoff’s law relates to the conversion of energy, which states that energy can’t be created nor
destroyed, only changed into different forms. This can be expanded to laws of conservation of
voltage and current. In any circuit, the voltage across each series component (carrying the same
current) can be added to find the total voltage. Similarly, the current entering a junction in a
circuit must equal the sum of current leaving the junction.
 Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL); the law is based on principles of charge
conservation; the total current flowing into a junction must equal the total current
flowing out of the junction. In another way the algebraic sum of currents entering
and leaving any junction or node in a circuit is zero.
 Mathematically as ∑ I in=∑ I out
The law allows analyzing complex circuits with multiple branches and junctions.
By applying this law, the currents at various points in a circuit can be
determined, enabling the calculation of unknown currents and predication of
circuit behavior.

 For KCL
I1+i2+i4-i2-i3=0
I1+i3+i4=i2+i5

 Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL); the law states that the algebraic sum of voltages
around any closed loop in a circuit is zero. It’s based on principle of energy
conservation, as the sum of the potential differences across components (such as
resistors, batteries, and capacitors) in a closed loop must add to zero.
 Mathematically as ∑ V loop=0
 The law allows analyzing the voltage distribution across different
elements in a circuit. By applying this law, we can calculate unknown
voltages, determine the voltage drops across resistors, and predict the
behavior of circuit elements.
 For KVL
-V1+v2+v3-v4+v5=0
V1+v4=v2+v3+v5
 Ohm’s law; it’s related to the current flowing through a conductor, the voltage
applied across it, and the resistance of the conductor. It states that the current
passing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it
and inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductor.
  Furthermore it provides information about the relationship between current,
voltage and resistance in a circuit.
 Mathematically as I=V/R, where
I is the current,
V is the voltage and R is the resistance.
 Given any resistor, it’s resistances can be found by one of the four methods
A-using the color codes. This value is called the nominal value, and it’s only
approximate
B-Direct measurement using an ohmmeter
C-measuring the voltage across the resistor and the current through the resistor
gives power P (in watts).
 Mathematically P=VI=I2R=V2/R
 The power absorbed by the resistor appears in the form of heat. The physical size
of the resistor determines the amount of power that it can safely dissipate. The
amount is referred to as the power rating. The dissipation of power that exceeds
the power rating can damage the resistor physically due to power training factor.
Power rating; it’s the indication of the maximum rate at which the component converts the
electrical power into other forms of energy such as heat, light or motion. It’s the maximum
amount of power that a device can handle or the power it consumes during operation without
being damaged or malfunctioning.
 Aim of the laboratory
 For ohm’s law;
 To determine qualitatively the effect of increased power dissipation on resistor.
 To determine the value of selection of resistors using different methods.
 For Kirchhoff’s law;
 To verify Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws experimentally.
Materials used
 For Kirchhoff’s law;
 Dc power supply
 Digital Multi meter that include voltmeter and ammeter
 Different resistors
 Connecting wires
 Breadboard or circuit construction platform
 For ohm’s law;
 Dc power supply
 Digital multi meter that include voltmeter and ammeter
 Different resistors
 Connecting wires
 Breadboard or circuit construction platform
 Procedure
 For ohm’s law;
First we sated up the circuit,
 gathered all required materials and equipment
 ensured that the power supply and switches were turned off
 connected the power supply to the circuit
 Connected the ammeter and voltmeter to the circuit, the ammeter in series with
the resistor, and the voltmeter in parallel across the resistor.
 Measured the resistance (selected a resistor with known value, used multi meter to
measure the resistance of chosen resistor then recorded the resistance value).
 Applied voltage (sated the power to the desired voltage, turned power supply then
recorded it as applied voltage).
 Measured current and voltage (by using ammeter and voltmeter)
 We analyzed the data using ohm’s law I=V/R
 For Kirchhoff’s law ;
First we sated up the circuit,
 Gathered all required material and equipment
 Ensured that the power supply and switches were turned off
 Connected the power supply to the circuit
 Connected the ammeter and voltmeter to the circuit, the ammeter in series with
the resistor, and the voltmeter in parallel across the resistor.
 Connected the resistors and other components to the circuit
 For KCL
 Sated up the circuit with multiple branches and junction
 Turned the power supply
 Measured the currents at junctions using ammeter and recorded the values
 Applied KCL by comparing the currents which entered and left at a junction
 Analyzed the measured currents by using the law
 Compared the results with the calculated one
 Determined source of error
 Handled all the equipment with caution and safety
 For KVL
 Sated up a closed loop circuit
 Turned the power supply
  Measured the voltages across different components using voltmeter and
recorded the values
 Applied KVL by comparing the sum of the voltages around the closed loop is
zero. Analyzed the measured currents by using the law
 Compared the results with the calculated one
Constant and assumption

 For ohm’s law;

 The fundamental constant is resistance (R) of the circuit component.
 The assumptions typically include
 The circuit components are linear and obey ohms law means the
voltage is directly proportional to the current.
 The temperature of the circuit components remains constant, as
changes in temperature can affect resistance and
 The measurement instrument such as voltmeter and ammeters
has negligible resistance they don’t affect the circuit behavior.
 For KCL,
 No specific constants involved.
 The assumption include
 The current flow in the circuit branches is assumed to be
continuous means no current is lost or gained at junction and
nodes.
 The measurement instruments used to measure the currents
have negligible resistance and don’t affect the circuit behavior
and
 The circuit is assumed to be in steady state, where currents are
not changing with time.
 For KVL,
 No specific constants involved.
 The assumptions used include;
 the circuit components are assumed to be ideal means they
have no internal resistance or capacitance, the loop in the circuit
is assumed to be isolated, with no external electromagnetic
interference
 The measurement instruments used to measure the voltage
have high inputs impedance and do not significantly affect the
circular behavior and
 The circuit is assumed to be in a steady state, where voltages
are not changing with time.
 Result and discussion
1. Ohm’s Law
Imeasured = The current measured using multimeter connected in series, actual current.

Icalculated = The current calculated using ohm’s law, theoretical current.

Given voltages were 6V. 8V and 10V. But when the voltage coming from the DC supply was
measured it was 6.35V, 8.52V and 10.77V respectively. So, we use the measured voltage which
is the actual voltage.

V measured
Icalculated ¿
R

Resistor Given voltage Measured Theoretical Actual current

voltage current
100Ω 6V 6.35V 0.0635A 0.06A
100Ω 8V 8.52V 0.0852A 0.08A
100Ω 10V 10.77V 0.1077A 0.1A

Based on the provided data, it is evident that there is a direct relationship between voltage and current
in both theoretical and actual measurements. As the voltage increases, the current also increases, and
vice versa. This relationship holds true for the given resistance values as observed in the measured
sample data.

2. Kirchhoff’s Law
2.2 Calculating each individual theoretical current drop using KCL

 R1=100Ω , R2=220 Ω, R3=100Ω, R4 = 330Ω

To apply KCL first we need to calculate the Req to know the overall current flowing through the
circuit:

Req = R1 +¿)

R2is connected in series with R3 so we add them and we get 220Ω +100Ω =320Ω

3200Ω and 330Ω are connected in parallel

 ( 320 Ω )∗330 Ω
R23= =162.46 Ω
3200 Ω+330 Ω
Req =100 Ω+162.46 Ω=262.46 Ω

So, the current flowing through the circuit can be calculated using the given DC voltage
source, 15.V.

Vs 15 V
I 1= = =0.057 A
R eq 262.46 Ω

Since R1 is connected in series with the source the current flowing through R1 will be the
same as I1 ,0.057 A . V EA=I1*R1 = 5.7v

Using Kirchhoff’s Current Law I1=(I2=I4)+I3

The voltage drops of the wire connecting V2,3,4 is:

V2,3,4 = Vs -V1

V2,3,4 = 9.3V

Since V2,4 and V3 are parallel their voltage drop will equal the V2,3,4.

I3 = V3/R3=0.093A

I1=I2,4+I3

I2=I4= I1-I3=-0.036A

2.3 Calculating voltage drop across each resistor using the current calculated from KCL
V Ea =5.7V
V AC = I2R2 = -0.036A*220Ω=-7.92V
V AB =I3R3=0.0.093A*100Ω=9.3V
V CB =I4R4=0.036A*330Ω=11.8V
V BE=15V
Percentage of error=the absolute value of estimated value minus true value over true
value times 100 percent.

Voltage V Ea V AC V AB V CB V BE
Theory 5.7 V -7.92V 9.3V 11.8V 15V
Experiment 6.18V 2.63V 7.17V 4.32V 16.36V
%error 8.42 66.79 22.90 63.39 9.06
 Current
Current I1 I2 I3 I4 I5
Theory 0.057 A -0.036A 0.093A -0.036A 0.057 A

Resistor
Experiment 0.09R1 0.01R2 0.02 R3 0.01 R4 0.06
Theory
% Error 220
57.89 220 Ω
72.22 78.49330Ω 72.22330Ω 5.26
Experimental
% Error
 Conclusion
In summary, our laboratory experiment demonstrated the practical application of Kirchhoff's
laws and Ohm's law in understanding and analyzing electrical circuits. The results confirmed the
validity of Kirchhoff's laws, with Kirchhoff's current law showing that the total current entering a
junction is equal to the total current leaving the junction. Similarly, Kirchhoff's voltage law
demonstrated that the sum of voltage drops across components in a closed loop is equal to the
total voltage supplied by the source. These findings align with the theoretical expectations.

Additionally, our experiment verified Ohm's law, showing a linear relationship between current
and voltage in the circuit. This further supported the understanding that current is directly
proportional to the voltage applied across a conductor and inversely proportional to its resistance.

Overall, the combination of Kirchhoff's laws and Ohm's law provided a solid foundation for
analyzing and interpreting the behavior of electrical circuits in our laboratory experiment.
 Recommendations
Based on the findings and observations from our laboratory experiment on Kirchhoff's laws and
Ohm's law, we would like to offer the following recommendations for future laboratory reports:
Ensure accurate measurements: It is important to use appropriate instruments and techniques
to accurately measure voltage, current, and resistance. This will enhance the reliability of the
experimental data and improve the accuracy of the results.

Conduct comprehensive data analysis: Provide a thorough analysis of the collected data,
including calculations and tables. Interpret the results and compare them with the theoretical and
expected values. Look for patterns or trends in the data to gain further insights into the behavior
of the electrical circuits.

Perform error analysis: Conduct a detailed error analysis to identify potential sources of error
in the experiment. Evaluate the magnitude and impact of these errors on the results. Additionally,
suggest possible ways to improve or minimize these errors in future experiments.

Document circuit diagrams: Ensure that the circuit diagrams used in the experiment are
accurate and well-labeled. Clearly depict the connections and components used in the circuit.
Proper labeling and direction arrows will facilitate a better understanding of the exact circuit
configuration and prevent any confusion.

By following these recommendations, future laboratory reports on Kirchhoff's laws and Ohm's
law will be more comprehensive, accurate, and insightful, leading to a better understanding of
electrical circuits and their behavior.