General Physics II

Not all circuits can be reduced to sets of series and parallel resistors. (Notice that the three circuit diagrams above all describe the same circuit).

How can we handle a circuit like this which is more complex than being a combination of series and parallel pieces?

Assign a current I_n through each resistor.

Kirchoff's Junction Rule:

At each junction, the sum of the currents in must equal the sum of the currents out; this is just charge conservation.

| More discussion |

Kirchoff's Loop Rule:

Around any circuit loop, apply energy conservation in the form of

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For our example,

Watch the signs!

With both of Kirchoff's Rules, there will be enough information,

DC Circuits

Kirchoff's Rules