Fundamental Laws
of Electrical
Circuits
OHM'S, KVL, SUPERPOSITION, THEVENIN & NORTON
Introduction
This presentation covers key electrical laws essential for circuit analysis
and design. It introduces foundational concepts such as Ohm’s Law,
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL), and their practical uses. Understanding
these laws is crucial for electrical engineering and troubleshooting
circuits efficiently
Ohm's Law
Statement
The voltage (V) across a resistor is directly proportional to the current
(I) flowing through it, provided the temperature and other physical
conditions remain unchanged.
Explanation & Formula
This law connects Voltage (Volts), Current (Amperes), and
Resistance (Ohms). If you know two values, you can find the third.
𝑉 =𝐼×𝑅
Ohm's Law: Application
Uses
Calculating unknown voltage, current, or resistance. Sizing resistors
in circuit designs. Basic fault finding.
Requirements
Applies to linear and bilateral elements (like resistors). Requires a
constant temperature and physical conditions.
Drawbacks
Does not apply to non-linear devices (diodes, transistors) or
unilateral devices.
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
Statement
The algebraic sum of all voltages around any closed loop or path in
a circuit is always zero.
Explanation
This law is a statement of the conservation of energy. In any closed
loop, the sum of all voltage drops (e.g., across resistors) must equal
the sum of all voltage rises (e.g., from batteries).
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL):
Application
Uses
Analyzing complex circuits
Mesh analysis
Finding unknown voltages
Limitations
Applies to lumped-parameter circuits
Becomes complex with many loops
Network Theorems
Superposition Theorem
Statement
In any linear, bilateral circuit with multiple independent sources, the
response (current or voltage) in any element is the algebraic sum of
the responses produced by each source acting independently.
Explanation
To analyze, you "turn off" all sources except one (voltage sources
become short circuits, current sources become open circuits), find
the response, and repeat for all other sources. Finally, you add the
individual responses together.
Superposition: Application
Uses
Analyzing circuits with multiple independent sources. Understanding
the individual contribution of each source.
Requirements
The circuit must be linear and bilateral. All components must obey
Ohm's Law.
Drawbacks
Can be very tedious as it requires analyzing multiple circuits. Not
valid for power calculations (since P = I²R is non-linear).
Thevenin's Theorem
Statement
Any linear, two-terminal circuit can be replaced by an equivalent
circuit consisting of a single voltage source in series with a single resistor.
Components
V_th (Thevenin Voltage): The open-circuit voltage at the terminals.
R_th (Thevenin Resistance): The equivalent resistance seen from the
terminals with all independent sources turned off.
Uses & Limitations
Simplifies complex circuits.
Used for load analysis.
Requires a linear circuit.
Not for non-linear devices.
Norton's Theorem
Statement
Any linear, two-terminal circuit can be replaced by an equivalent
circuit consisting of a single current source in parallel with a single
resistor.
Components
I_n (Norton Current): The short-circuit current at the terminals.
R_n (Norton Resistance): The same as Thevenin Resistance (R_th).
Uses & Limitations
Circuit simplification.
Useful for current sources.
Source transformation.
Requires a linear circuit.
Conclusion
These fundamental laws and theorems form the foundation of electrical
circuit analysis. Understanding their statements, applications, and
limitations is crucial for efficient circuit design and troubleshooting.
While powerful, their assumptions on linearity and ideal conditions
must be carefully considered for accurate real-world application.
Made by Arnab Ghosh
Sl. No.- 33, Department- CSE (CYS), Session-2025-29