Kirchhoffs Law

October 14, 2014

Abstract
In this lab we created a circuit and measured the resistance, voltage and current in each
resistor, then we used Kirchhoffs Law to see if the numbers we measured were correct. The
results show that Kirchhoffs Law can accurately calculate the respective values.
Introduction
The purpose of this lab is to design a circuit with two voltage sources and at least three
resistors. In addition we will both predict the values of I, R, and V at each resistor and use a
voltmeter to determine the actual values for I, R, and V. Using this data we will be able to test
Kirchhoffs Law.

Methods
The first step is to design a circuit with two voltage sources and at least 3 resistors. The

I1
I3

I2

circuit that we will use in this experiment is shown below in figure 1.1.
Fig 1.1
In this circuit the voltage source of the right is 9.05V and the voltage source on the left is 6.0V.
Resistor one has a resistance of 150.3, R2 is 300 and R3 is 100.2. Using the equation V=I*R
we are able to determine the voltages and currents through each resistor. This will allow us to
find the actual values of I, R, and V, while using Kirchhoffs Law we will be able to find the
predicted values.

Results
Using the voltmeter and the equation V=I*R we were able to find the actual values of I, R, and V
for each resistor. Using Kirchhoffs Law were also able to find the predicted values. In table 1.1
you can see that most of the data from the actual values and predicted values are very close.
However, you can see that for resistor 2 the predicted values differ largely, but that could be
due to human error when measuring the current.

Measure Values

Predicted Values

Resistance()

Volts (V)

Current(mA)

Resistance

Volts(V)

Current(mA)

150.3

3.25

19

150.3

3.04

20.2

100.2

0.063

.6

100.2

.015

.146

300

5.96

20

300

20

Equations:
V=I*R

I1+I3 = I2
9.05-150.3*I1-300*I3=0
-6-300*I3+100*I2=0
I1=0.0202
I2=0.000146
I3=0.020