Kirchhoff's Laws
Two fundamental circuit analysis laws expressing conservation of electric charge (Current Law) and conservation of energy (Voltage Law).
Governing formula
KCL: ∑ I_in = ∑ I_out; KVL: ∑ V = 0
SI unit
A (Current), V (Voltage)
In depth
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) states that net electric current entering any circuit junction node equals net current leaving. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) states that the sum of all electrical potential differences around any closed loop equals zero.
Examples in the real world
Solving complex multi-loop electric circuits containing multiple resistors and voltage sources using simultaneous algebraic equations.