Question

In nodal analysis using Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL), what do i1, i2, i3, and i4 represent?

a) Resistances in a circuit
b) Voltages across components
c) Currents at different nodes
d) Capacitances in a circuit

Answer 1

In nodal analysis, i1, i2, i3, and i4 represent the currents at different nodes in a circuit. These symbols are part of Kirchhoff's Current Law, where the junction rule can be confirmed by measuring currents entering or exiting a node to ensure charge conservation.

Step-by-step explanation:

In nodal analysis using Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL), the symbols i1, i2, i3, and i4 represent currents at different nodes in a circuit. When applying KCL, Kirchhoff's junction rule can be directly confirmed by measuring the currents at three points where they enter or exit a node. At these points, the total current entering a node must equal the total current leaving, thereby confirming charge conservation as required by the rule.

Kirchhoff's rules

• The junction rule (also known as the first rule), which is based on the principle of conservation of charge.
• The loop rule (also known as the second rule), which is based on the principle of conservation of energy.

By applying these rules, for example, the junction rule at point 'a' gives the equation I1 = I2 + I3, indicating the current entering the junction (I1) is equal to the sum of currents leaving the junction (I2 and I3).