Kirchhoff's Loop Rule

Definition

Kirchhoff's Loop Rule, also known as Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL), states that the sum of the voltage drops around any closed loop in a circuit is equal to the sum of the voltage sources in that loop.

Analogy

Imagine you are driving on a circular road where there are multiple gas stations. The total amount of gas you use to complete one full lap around the road is equal to the total amount of gas you get from all the gas stations along that road.

Related terms

Closed system: A closed system refers to a circuit where no charge enters or leaves. It is like a sealed container with no leaks.

Rate of charge transfer: The rate of charge transfer, also known as current, refers to how quickly electric charges move through a conductor. It can be compared to the flow rate of water through a pipe.

Kirchhoff's Junction Rule: Kirchhoff's Junction Rule, also known as Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL), states that at any junction point in an electrical circuit, the sum of currents entering must be equal to the sum of currents leaving.