Kirchoff's Voltage Law

Definition

Kirchoff's Voltage Law states that for any closed loop or mesh within an electrical network, the sum of all voltages across each element must equal zero. It is based on the principle of conservation of energy in electrical circuits.

Analogy

Think of Kirchoff's Voltage Law as a roundabout where all cars entering and exiting must balance out. The total voltage drops across components in a loop should add up to zero, just like the total number of cars entering and exiting the roundabout should be the same.

Related terms

Kirchoff's Current Law: States that the sum of currents flowing into any junction or node within an electrical network must equal the sum of currents flowing out.

Ohm's Law: Relates current, voltage, and resistance in a circuit through the equation V = IR.

Loop Rule: Another term for Kirchoff's Voltage Law, emphasizing its application to closed loops within circuits.