Chapter 2

Circuit Analysis

BASIC ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 1

 Table of contents

● Terminologies
● Kirchhoff’s Laws
Kirchhoff Current Law
Kirchhoff Voltage Law
● Application of Kirchhoff’s Laws
Maxwell’s Mesh Current Method or mesh analysis
Nodal analysis
● Assignment-3
● Tutorial-3
● Tutorial-4
● Tutorial-5

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 2

 Terminologies
 Active element: It is one which supplies electrical energy to the circuit.
 Passive element: It is one which receives electrical energy and then either converts it into heat (resistance) or
stores in an electrical field (capacitance) or magnetic field (inductance).
 Junction: A junction is a point in a circuit where three or more circuit elements or branches meet.
 Node: A node is a junction point in a circuit where two or more circuit elements are connected together. If
three is no element between two or more connected adjacent nodes, these nodes can be recombined as a
single node.
 Branch: The path between two junctions is called a branch.
 Loop: A loop is a closed path in a circuit formed by a number of connected branches.
 Mesh: Any closed path which contains no other paths within/inside it is called a mesh. Thus, a loop contains
meshes but a mesh does not contain a loop.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 3

 Kirchhoff’s laws
● In complex network where we need to determine the equivalent resistance and the current flowing in the
various branches of the network, the calculations are greatly simplified with the help of Kirchhoff’s laws.
● These laws are very helpful in developing a set of simultaneous equations in terms of voltage and current for
the purpose of solving an electric circuit or networks.
● A German physicist Gustav Robert Kirchhoff (1824–1887) derived two laws governing networks, the first
law is known as Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) that deals with the flow of current at a node while the
second one is known as Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) that deals with the voltage drop in a closed network.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 4

 Kirchhoff’s Current Law/Junction Law
The KCL states that the algebraic summation of all the branch currents meeting at any junction in a circuit
remains zero i.e. Σ I = 0.
It can also be stated that the sum of all the currents entering into a node is equal to the sum of all the currents
leaving or coming out of the same node in any closed circuit i.e. Σ IIN = Σ IOUT .

In single junction diagram shown in Figure 2.1, I1, I2 and I6 are the
incoming currents while I3, I4 and I5 are the outgoing currents.
According to KCL, at node or junction O, we have

I1 + I2 + I6 − I3 − I4 − I6 = 0

∴ I1 + I2 + I6 = I3 + I4 + I6
The direction of incoming currents to a node is taken as positive while
the outgoing currents is taken as negative. This law is based on the
Figure 2.1
conservation of charge.
9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 5
 Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law/ Mesh Law
The KVL states that the algebraic sum of all the emf’s acting and voltage drop (or product of current and
resistance) in each resistor in any closed path of network that is transverse in a single direction is zero.
i.e. Σ E + Σ V = 0.
In the circuit shown in Figure 2.2, E1, E2 and E3 are emf’s acting while V1, V2 and V3 are voltage drop across
resistors R1, R2 and R3 respectively. According to KVL and moving in clockwise direction, we have
E1 − IR1 + E2 − IR 2 − E3 − IR 3 = 0
∴ E1 + E2 − E3 = V1 + V2 + V3

The Kirchhoff’s second law is based on conservation of energy.

Figure 2.2

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 6

 Continued…
● The Kirchhoff’s second law is applied to each mesh separately and algebraic equations are obtained by
equating the algebraic sum of emf’s acting in a mesh equal to the algebraic sum of respective voltage drops
in the same mesh. By solving the equations so obtained, unknown quantities can be determined.
● While applying Kirchhoff’s second law, the question of algebraic signs may be troublesome and is a frequent
source of error. If, however, the following rules are kept in mind, no difficulty would occur during
implementation of sign convention in KVL.

1) Electric Cell
 A rise in potential should be given positive sign and a fall in potential should be
given negative sign.
 Thus, if we move from negative to positive terminal of a cell, a positive sign
should be given to cell potential ‘E’ since there is a rise in potential while if we
move from positive to negative terminal of a cell, a negative sign should be
given to cell potential ‘e’ since there is a fall in potential.
Figure 2.3
9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 7
 Continued…
2) Resistors
 First of all, higher and lower terminal is determined which in fact is determined by the direction of current as
current flows from higher terminal to lower terminal.
 If the direction of current and direction of movement is same, the voltage drop across resistor should be taken
as negative while if the direction of current and direction of movement is opposite, the voltage drop across
resistor should be taken as positive.
 It is to be noted that there is no restriction for direction
of movement while solving the circuit using KVL.
 Initially the direction of flow of current can be
assumed in any direction (generally we assume in
Figure 2.4
clockwise direction).
 If the value of current is positive, the assumed direction of current will be correct and if the value of current
is negative, the direction of current should be reversed keeping the magnitude same.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 8

 Application of KVL: Maxwell’s Mesh Current Method

● This method is used to analyze and solve the electrical network consisting of several meshes or loop with
various voltage or current sources.
● In this method, Kirchhoff’s voltage law is applied to a network to write mesh equations in terms of mesh
currents instead of branch currents.
● Each mesh is assigned a separate mesh current which is assumed to flow clockwise around the perimeter of
the mesh without splitting at a junction into branch currents.
● This method eliminates a great deal of tedious work involved in the branch-current method and is best suited
when energy sources are voltage sources rather than current sources.
● It is also known as Loop Current Method.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 9

 Continued…
The steps for solving any network by Maxwell’s Mesh Current Method are explained as follows:
1) Identify the possible number of meshes in the given circuit and mark them.
2) Clearly label all circuit parameters and distinguish unknown parameters from the known.
3) Convert all the practical current sources into practical voltage sources if possible.
4) Assume unknown mesh current variables in all meshes. However, if any mesh current is present in the free
branch of the circuit, the mesh current containing that branch is equal to branch current which in fact is the
actual current flowing in that branch.
5) Apply KVL in each mesh and form an equation by expressing the voltage in terms of the mesh currents.
6) Solve the resulting simultaneous equations for the mesh currents.
7) Finally, the mesh currents are known and the branch currents are then found by taking the algebraic sum of
the mesh currents which are common to that branch.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 10

 Continued…
On the basis of sources present, the circuit may be classified as follows and can be solved accordingly by Mesh
Current Analysis method.
1) Circuit containing only voltage source

In Figure 2.5, applying KVL in mesh ABDA, we get

V1 − I1 R1 − R 3 I1 − I2 = 0
𝑜𝑟, V1 − I1 (R1 + R 3 ) + I2 R 3 = 0
(i)
𝑜𝑟, I1 (R1 + R 3 ) − I2 R 3 = V1 … … (1) Figure 2.5

On solving equations (1) and (2), we can easily obtain

Applying KVL in mesh BCDB, we get
−𝐼2 𝑅2 − 𝑅3 𝐼2 − 𝐼1 − 𝑉2 the values of I1 and I2. After finding the mesh currents,

𝑜𝑟, 𝐼1 𝑅3 − 𝐼2 (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 ) − 𝑉2 = 0 we can calculate the branch currents, voltage drop

𝑜𝑟, 𝐼1 𝑅3 − 𝐼2 (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 ) = V2 … … (2) (ii) across each resistor and power dissipated in each
resistor.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 11

 Continued…
2) Circuit containing both voltage and current sources
A) Current source transformable into voltage source
Since, IS is a practical current source, so it can be converted into
equivalent practical voltage source. Redrawing the circuit
shown in figure 2.6
Figure 2.6

In Figure 2.7, applying KVL in mesh ABFA, we get

𝐼1 (𝑅1 + 𝑅2 ) − 𝐼2 𝑅2 = 𝑉1 … … (1)
Applying KVL in mesh BCEFB, we get
𝐼1 𝑅2 − 𝐼2 (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 ) + 𝐼3 𝑅4 = 𝑉𝑆 … … (2)
Applying KVL in mesh CDEC, we get
Figure 2.7
𝐼2 𝑅4 − 𝐼3 (𝑅4 +𝑅5 ) = 𝑉2 … … (3)

On solving equations (1), (2) and (3), we can easily obtain the values of I1, I2and I3.
9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 12
 Continued…
B) Current source not transformable into voltage source
I. Current source present in the perimeter of any individual mesh

Since, there are two ideal current sources IS1 and IS2, so they
cannot be converted into equivalent practical voltage sources.
Also, these sources are present in the perimeter of an individual
mesh or in the free branch of the loop as shown in figure 2.8.
So, we can write Figure 2.8
I1 = IS1 and I3 = −IS2

Now, applying KVL in mesh BCFGB, we get

𝐼1 𝑅2 − 𝐼2 (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 ) + 𝐼3 𝑅4 = 𝑉3 … … (1)
Substituting values of I1 and I3 in equation (1), we can obtain value of I2

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 13

 Continued…
II. Current source present in the common branch of any two meshes

Since, IS1 is an ideal current source which cannot be transformed

into equivalent voltage source and this source lies in the common
branch of two meshes having unknown mesh currents then such
circuit can be solved using mesh analysis by combining those two
meshes as a super mesh. So, we can write
𝐼2 − 𝐼1 = 𝐼𝑆1 … … (1) Figure 2.9

Since, 𝐼𝑆2 is an ideal current source, so it cannot be converted into equivalent practical voltage source. Also, this
source is present in the perimeter of an individual mesh or in the free branch of the loop as shown in figure 2.9.
So, we can write, 𝐼3 = −𝐼𝑆2 … … (2)
Applying KVL in super mesh ABCEFA, we get
𝐼1 𝑅1 + 𝐼2 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 − 𝐼3 𝑅4 = 𝑉1 − 𝑉𝑆3 … … 3
On solving equations (1), (2) and (3), we can easily obtain the values of I1, I2and I3.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 14

 Application of KCL: Nodal Voltage Analysis
● The nodal voltage analysis is a method to solve the electrical network by defining the voltage at each node
which is used to compute potential difference between the elements or branches and all branch currents.
● It is commonly used for networks having many parallel circuits with a common terminal ground such as
electronic circuits.
● This method is based on Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL).
● In the nodal method, the number of independent node pair equations needed is one less than the number of
junctions in the network because one of the junction is chosen as reference node in the network which means
that if ‘N’ denotes the number of independent node equations and ‘J’ is the number of junctions then, we get,
N = J – 1.
● While writing the current expression, the assumptions are made that the node potentials are always higher
than the other voltages appearing in the equations.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 15

 Continued…
The steps for solving any network by Nodal Voltage Analysis Method are explained as follows:
1) Identify the possible number of nodes or junctions in the given circuit and mark them.
2) Clearly label all circuit parameters and distinguish unknown parameters from the known.
3) Convert all the practical voltage sources into practical current sources if possible.
4) Choose any one of the nodes as the reference or zero potential node. For simplicity, a node with maximum
number of elements or branches connected is chosen as reference.
5) Assign variable for each node whose voltage is unknown.
6) Apply KCL at each node and form an equation.
7) Solve the resulting simultaneous equation for the node voltages. Finally, the node voltages are known and
the voltage drop across each resistor and power dissipated in each resistor can be calculated.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 16

 Continued…
On the basis of sources present, the circuit may be classified as follows and can be solved accordingly by Nodal
Voltage Analysis method.
1) Circuit containing only current source
Let, node C be assumed as reference node as shown in figure 2.10.
Now, applying KCL at node A, we get
𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐶 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵
+ = 𝐼1 + 𝐼3
𝑅1 𝑅3
1 1 1 Figure 2.10
𝑜𝑟, + 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼3 … … 1
𝑅1 𝑅3 𝑅3
On solving equations (1) and (2), we can easily
Applying KCL at node B, we get
obtain the values of VA and VB. After finding the
𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐶 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴
+ + 𝐼3 = 𝐼2 nodal voltages, we can calculate the branch currents
𝑅2 𝑅1
1 1 1 and power dissipated in each resistor.
𝑜𝑟, 𝑉𝑨 − + 𝑉 = 𝐼𝟑 − 𝐼𝟐 … … 2
𝑅3 𝑅𝟐 𝑅3 𝑩
9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 17
 .
Continued…
2) Circuit containing both voltage and current sources
A) Voltage source transformable into current source
Since, there are two practical voltage sources V1 and V2, so they
can be converted into equivalent practical current sources. Now,
redrawing the circuit as shown in Figure 2.11 Figure 2.11

𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐶 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐶 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵
+ + = 𝐼1 + 𝐼3
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3
1 1 1 1
𝑜𝑟, + + 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼3 … … (1)
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅3

Applying KCL at node B, we get

1 1 1 1
𝑉 − + + 𝑉 = 𝐼3 − 𝐼2 … … (2)
𝑅3 𝐴 𝑅3 𝑅4 𝑅5 𝐵
Figure 2.12
On solving equations (1) and (2), we can easily obtain
In Figure 2.12, applying KCL at node A, we get
the values of VA and VB
9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 18
 Continued…
B) Voltage source not transformable into currents source
I. Voltage source involving reference node

Since there are two practical voltage sources V2 and V3, so they can be converted into equivalent practical
current sources. But, V1 is an ideal voltage source which cannot be transformed into current source. Now
redrawing the circuit as shown in figure 2.14.

Figure 2.13 Figure 2.14

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 19

 Continued…
In figure 1.53, applying KVL from node A to node C, we get
𝑉𝐴 – 𝑉1 − 𝑉𝐶 = 0
∴ 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉1
Applying KCL at node B, we get

𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐶 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐶 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴
+ + = 𝐼2 + 𝐼3
𝑅3 𝑅4 𝑅2

1 1 1 1
𝑜𝑟, − 𝑉𝐴 + + + 𝑉 = 𝐼2 + 𝐼3
𝑅2 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅4 𝐵

Substituting value of VA in equation (i), we can obtain the value of VB . After finding the nodal voltages, we can
calculate the branch currents and power dissipated in each resistor.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 20

 Continued…
II. Voltage source not involving reference node
Since, VS is an ideal voltage source which cannot be transformed
into current source and this voltage source occurs between two
unknown node voltages and does not involve reference node,
then such circuit can be solved using nodal analysis by
combining those two nodes as a super node. Figure 2.15

In Figure 2.15, applying KVL from node A to node B, we get 1 1 1

𝑉 + + 𝑉 = 𝐼2 + 𝐼3 … … 2
𝑉𝐴 + 𝑉𝑆 − 𝑉𝐵 = 0 ⇒ 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵 = −𝑉𝑆 … … (1) 𝑅1 𝐴 𝑅3 𝑅4 𝐵

Applying KCL at super node (i.e. node A and node B), we get On solving equations (1) and (2), we can

𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐶 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐶 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐶 easily obtain the values of VA and VB. After

+ + + + = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2
𝑅3 𝑅4 𝑅2 𝑅2 𝑅1 finding the nodal voltages, we can calculate
[Since, Incoming currents at node A and node B = Outgoing the branch currents and power dissipated by
currents at node A and node B] each resistor.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 21

 Assignment-3
1) Define the following terms: passive element, active element, junction, node, branch, mesh and loop.
2) State and explain KCL with suitable diagram.
3) State and explain KVL with suitable diagram.
4) Explain why KCL is based on conservation of charge while KVL is based on conservation of energy.
5) Explain the rules to be kept in mind during implementation of sign convention in KVL.
6) Explain super mesh with suitable example.
7) Explain super node with suitable example.
8) Explain the steps for solving any network by mesh analysis with suitable example.
9) Explain the steps for solving any network by nodal analysis with suitable example.
10) Write down the difference between branch current method and mesh current method with suitable example.

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 22

 Tutorial-3
1) Find the currents flowing through all the resistors using Kirchhoff’s laws in figure 2.16.
2) Find I1, I2 and V in the given network using Kirchhoff’s laws in figure 2.17.
3) Find I1, I2 and I3 in the circuit shown below using Kirchhoff’s law in figure 2.18.

Figure 2.16

Figure 2.18

Figure 2.17

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 23

 Continued…
4) Use KCL and KVL to determine the magnitude and direction of current in each battery. Also calculate the
power dissipated by 0.25Ω resistance in the circuit shown in figure 2.19.
5) Find VXY in the circuit shown in figure 2.20 using Kirchhoff’s laws.

Figure 2.20
Figure 2.19

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 24

 Continued…
6) In the unbalanced Wheatstone bridge shown in the figure 2.21, galvanometer has resistance of 4 Ω. Find: (i)
the current through galvanometer using KVL and KCL (ii) currents in the four branches of the bridge (iii)
potential difference across AC and (iv) effective resistance between A and C.
7) Calculate the value of unknown resistance R and the current through it when the current through the branch
OC is zero as shown in figure 2.22

Figure 2.22
Figure 2.21

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 25

 Continued…
8) Determine the current in the 4Ω resistance of the circuit shown in figure 2.23 using branch current method.
9) Find I1, I2 and I3 in the circuit shown in figure 2.24 using Kirchhoff’s law and also find power output of each
voltage source.
10) Determine the current supplied by the battery in the circuit shown in figure 2.25 using Kirchhoff’s laws.

Figure 2.25
Figure 2.23 Figure 2.24

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 26

 Tutorial-4
1) Use nodal analysis to find current flowing through 10 Ω resistor in the network shown in figure 2.26.
2) Calculate the current flowing through 8 Ω resistor in the network shown in figure 2.27 using nodal analysis.
3) Using nodal analysis, find the voltage drop across 8Ω resistance in the circuit shown in figure 2.28.

Figure 2.26
Figure 2.28

Figure 2.27
9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 27
 Continued…
4) Calculate the current flowing through 5 Ω resistor in the network shown in figure 2.29 using nodal analysis.
5) Find the current supplied by 10V source using nodal analysis in the network shown in figure 2.30.
6) Using nodal analysis, determine the current through 2Ω resistor in the circuit shown in figure 2.31.

Figure 2.29 Figure 2.30 Figure 2.31

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 Continued…
7) Find the power dissipated in 6 Ω resistor of the circuit shown in figure 2.32 using nodal analysis method.
8) Use nodal analysis to determine Va, Vb and Vc and calculate current in 2Ω resistor in the network shown in
figure 2.33.

Figure 2.32 Figure 2.33

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 29

 Continued…
9) Using nodal analysis, find the currents in each branch of the network shown in in figure 2.34 and also find
the total power loss in the network.
10) Use nodal analysis to determine current through 6Ω resistor and voltage drop across 10 Ω resistor in the
network shown in figure 2.35.

Figure 2.34 Figure 2.35

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 30

 Continued…
11) Use nodal analysis to determine current through 2Ω resistor in the network shown in figure 2.36.
12) Using nodal analysis, find the current flowing through 3Ω resistor in the network shown in figure 2.37.
13) Determine the value of V1, V2 and current flowing through 4 Ω resistor in the circuit shown in figure 2.38
using nodal analysis method.

Figure 2.36 Figure 2.37 Figure 2.38

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 31

 Tutorial-5
1) Use mesh analysis to find current flowing through 3 Ω resistor in the network shown in figure 2.39.
2) Calculate the current flowing through 2 Ω resistor and power dissipated in it in the network shown in figure
2.40 using mesh analysis.
3) Using mesh analysis, find the current through 5 Ω resistance in the circuit shown in figure 2.41.

Figure 2.39
Figure 2.40 Figure 2.41

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 Continued…
4) Determine current in 5 Ω resistor and power dissipated by 8 Ω resistor in the network shown in figure 2.42
using mesh analysis.
5) Find the current flowing through 1 Ω resistor using mesh analysis in the network shown in figure 2.43.

Figure 2.42 Figure 2.43

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 Continued…
6) Apply loop current method to find all the mesh currents of the circuit shown in figure 2.44.
7) Apply mesh current method to find the current flowing through 6 Ω resistor of the circuit shown in figure
2.45.

Figure 2.44 Figure 2.45

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 Continued…
8) Find all the branch currents in the circuit shown in figure 2.46 using mesh analysis method.
9) Apply mesh current method to find the current flowing through 3 Ω resistor of the circuit shown in figure
2.47.

Figure 2.46
Figure 2.47

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 35

 Continued…
10) Apply loop current method to calculate the current through 2Ω resistor of the circuit shown in figure 2.48.
11) Find the current flowing through 10 Ω resistor using mesh analysis of the circuit shown in figure 2.49.
12) Calculate the current flowing through 2 Ω resistor using mesh analysis of the circuit shown in figure 2.50.

Figure 2.48
Figure 2.50

Figure 2.49

9/4/2023 Prepared by Er. Dhurba Karki, Lecturer, KhCE 36