Experiment 2 Student’s Manual
American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB)
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
EEE 1204: Electrical Circuits 1 (DC) Laboratory
Title: Study of Series Circuit and Verification of Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
Introduction:
Kirchhoff's circuit law deals with the potential difference (commonly known as voltage) in
electrical circuits. They were first described in 1845 by Gustav Kirchhoff. This generalized the
work of Georg Ohm and preceded the work of Maxwell. Widely used in electrical engineering,
they are also called Kirchhoff's rules or simply Kirchhoff's laws.
The purpose of this experiment is:
Analyze the basic laws of series circuits.
To develop an understanding of Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) practically.
And finally measured values are going to be verified with calculated values.
Theory and Methodology:
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL): Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) in a DC circuit states that,
“the algebraic sum of the potential rises and drops around a closed loop (or path) is zero”. In other
words, “the sum of the rises around a closed loop must equal the sum of the drops in potential”. A
plus (+) sign is assigned for the potential rises (- to +) and minus sign (-) is assigned to a potential
drop (+ to -). In symbolic form, KVL can be expressed as: ∑𝐶 𝑉 = 0, Where c is used for closed
loop and V is used for the potential rises and drops.
Figure 1: Series Circuit
Analysis of KVL circuit: For doing a complete analysis of KVL, with the given values of circuit
parameters follow the following steps:
Step 1: Calculate the equivalent resistance of the circuit: 𝑹𝑻 = 𝑹𝟏 + 𝑹𝟐 + 𝑹𝟑
Step 2: Calculate the supply current: 𝑰𝑺 = 𝑬⁄𝑹𝑻
Step 3: Calculate the voltage across different resistors: 𝑽𝟏 = 𝑰𝑺 𝑹 𝟏 ; 𝑽𝟐 = 𝑰𝑺 𝑹𝟐 ; 𝑽𝟑 = 𝑰𝑺 𝑹𝟑
Step 4: Use KVL to verify: ∑𝑪 𝑽 = 𝟎 or 𝑬 − 𝑽𝟏 − 𝑽𝟐 − 𝑽𝟑 = 𝟎 or 𝑬 = 𝑽𝟏 + 𝑽𝟐 + 𝑽𝟑
© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 1
Experiment 2 Student’s Manual
Analysis of Series Circuit:
A circuit consists of any number of elements joined at terminal points, providing at least one closed
path through which charge can flow.
Two elements are in series if
a) They have only one terminal in common (i.e., one lead of one is connected to only one lead
of the other). b) The common point between the two elements is not connected to another
current-carrying element.
The current is the same through series elements. The total resistance of a series circuit is the sum
of the resistance levels. In general, to find the total resistance of N resistors in series, the following
equation is applied:
RT = R1+R2+R3+...........+RN (Ohms)
I=E/RT (Amperes)
The voltage across each resistor (Figure 1) using Ohm’s law; that is,
V1= IR1, V2= IR2, V3= IR3, ........., VN= IRN (Volts)
Using KVL, E = V1 + V2
The voltage divider rule states that the voltage across a resistor in a series circuit is equal to the
value of that resistor times the total impressed voltage across the series elements divided by the
total resistance of the series elements. The following VDR equation is applied:
Vx=RxE/RT Similarly, V1=R1E/RT, V2=R2E/RT
Where, Vx is the voltage across Rx, E is the impressed voltage across the series elements, and R T
is the total resistance of the series circuit.
Pre-Lab Homework:
Read about the KVL circuit from “Introductory Circuit Analysis’’ by Robert L Boylestad. Try to
analyze different circuits from text book and compare those with your experimental circuit.
Apparatus:
1. Trainer Board
2. Digital Multimeter
3. DC Source
4. Resistors
5. Connecting Wires
Precautions:
Check whether all the apparatus is working fine or not.
Implement the circuit carefully where necessary.
While connecting DC source make sure it is not shorted while placing in the trainer board.
Do not switch on the DC source while implementing the circuit in the trainer board.
© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 2
Experiment 2 Student’s Manual
While measuring voltage, Digital multimeter should be placed in parallel across the
elements of the circuit where the voltage is to be measured, multimeter should be in
voltmeter mode.
While measuring current, Digital multimeter should be placed in series with the branch of
the circuit where the current is to be measured, multimeter should be in ammeter mode.
Circuit Diagram:
R1
E R2
R3
Figure 2: Circuit to be Implemented in the Trainer Board
Figure 3: Measuring voltage across each Figure 4: Measuring current across each resistor in a series
resistor in a series circuit circuit
Experimental Procedure:
1. Connect the circuit as shown in the figure 2. Measure the voltage across each elements of
the circuit. Look at the Figure 3 to check how to measure voltage. Fill the data table 1 with
necessary calculations.
2. Measure the current through each elements of the circuit. Look at the Figure 4 to check
how to measure current. Fill the data table 2 with necessary calculations.
Data Table:
Table-1 (For Figure 2):
Value of Resistors: R1 = _____ KΩ, R2 = _____ KΩ, R3 = _____ KΩ
Value of Voltage Source: E = _____ V
E V1 (V) V2 (V) V3 (V) V1 + V2 + V3 (V)
Measured Value
Calculated Value
© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 3
Experiment 2 Student’s Manual
Simulated Value
Table-2 (For Figure 2):
IS (mA) I1 (mA) I2 (mA) I3 (mA)
Measured Value
Calculated Value
Simulated Value
Simulation and Measurement:
Simulate the circuit of Figure 2 and fill up the data table 1 and 2. Attach the screenshot here.
Calculation:
Show brief calculation here and fill up the data table 1 and 2.
Report Questions:
1. Draw a series circuit with four (4) resistances in series with a DC voltage source in your
simulation software and verify Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL). Also show details
calculation to justify your simulated result.
Take the values as per your ID. Suppose your ID is: 12-ABCDE-1, then value of voltage source,
E = AB Volts, R1 = B Ω, R2 = C Ω, R3 = C Ω, R4 = D Ω. If any of the values of your ID is zero
(0), use 2 instead of 0.
Discussion and Conclusion:
Summarize the experiment here and discuss whether the objectives were fulfilled or not within
a short paragraph.
Reference:
[1] Robert L. Boylestad, “Introductory Circuit Analysis”, 13th Edition, Prentice Hall, New York.
© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 4
