Kirchhoff's Loop Rule

Definition

Kirchhoff's Loop Rule, also known as Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL), states that the sum of the voltage drops around any closed loop in a circuit is equal to the sum of the voltage sources in that loop.

Analogy

Imagine you are driving on a circular road where there are multiple gas stations. The total amount of gas you use to complete one full lap around the road is equal to the total amount of gas you get from all the gas stations along that road.

Related terms

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL): This law states that the algebraic sum of all voltages in any closed loop or mesh in a circuit is zero.

Ohm's Law: It relates current, voltage, and resistance in a circuit and states that current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance.

Electric Circuit: A path through which electric current can flow, consisting of various components such as resistors, capacitors, and batteries connected by conductive wires.