Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law Calculator
Calculate voltage drops in any closed loop of a circuit using Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL). Enter voltage sources and voltage drops to verify the law (ΣV = 0).
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Understanding Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) states that the sum of all electrical potential differences (voltages) around any closed loop in a circuit must equal zero. This is a consequence of the conservation of energy in electrical circuits.
Mathematically, KVL can be expressed as:
ΣVsources = ΣVdrops or ΣV = 0
Where:
- Vsources = Voltage sources (batteries, power supplies)
- Vdrops = Voltage drops across components (resistors, capacitors, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law?
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) is a fundamental principle in circuit analysis that states the algebraic sum of all voltages around any closed loop in a circuit must equal zero. This law is based on the conservation of energy principle.
How do I use this calculator?
Simply enter all voltage sources (like batteries) in the first field and all voltage drops (across resistors or other components) in the second field, separated by commas. The calculator will sum them and verify if they satisfy KVL (ΣV = 0).
What if my result doesn’t equal zero?
If the sum isn’t zero, it could indicate: 1) Measurement errors in your circuit, 2) Missing components in your calculation, or 3) The loop you’re analyzing isn’t actually closed. Double-check your circuit measurements and calculations.